Four killed in multi-vehicle wreck, fire near Meridian

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (WTOK) - A fiery wreck happened around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday on the interstate near the split of I-20/59 and mile marker 131 in eastbound lanes. It involved a log truck and two other 18-wheelers and a passenger vehicle.

Coroner Clayton Cobler said four people died as a result of the wreck. They are still working to identify the victims.

Two 18-wheelers initially wrecked and traffic was stopped behind them. Then, the log truck apparently hit a stopped passenger car at full speed. Two people in the sedan and the log truck driver apparently died instantly. A passenger in the log truck died later as a result of the ensuing fire.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation said the right lane of I-20 eastbound past I-59 south (Exit 130) will be closed for an extended time because of damage caused by the wreck. It may last as long as 6 months or however long it takes to make the repair.

MDOT said the I-59 northbound ramp to I-20 west in Lauderdale County is open as of late Wednesday afternoon. Bridge inspection teams determined the right lane must remain closed until the repair is complete. Traffic will remain passable in the left lane.

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