The driver of a pickup truck was killed this morning after he or she was involved in a crash with a semi truck traveling the wrong way on Highway 78 in Mississippi.
One dead after Highway 78 crash https://t.co/quHRixwFp5 pic.twitter.com/2WpheekjFT
— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) October 2, 2017
Fatal Crash Shuts Down Highway 78 Westbound
According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the crash happened around 7:30 a.m. today on westbound Highway 78 at the Red Banks exit.
Fatal crash on Hwy 78 @ Red Banks. Quick pic of backed up traffic & black plume of smoke. pic.twitter.com/dmZC0DG4jn
— Corie Ventura (@CVentura_WREG3) October 2, 2017
Police say that a semi truck was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway when a crash with a pickup truck occurred. Images captured at the crash site show black smoke.
The driver of the pickup did not survive.
It isn’t clear at this time whether there are other injuries.
Cause Of Crash Remains Under Investigation
The driver of the semi truck has been “detained” by police, according to Local 24 News.
Marshall Co, MS: Fatal crash on Hwy 78 @ Red Banks Exit. WB lanes currently closed. You will be detoured off Hwy 78. pic.twitter.com/qySan8udcZ
— Corie Ventura (@CVentura_WREG3) October 2, 2017
Police are still working to determine why the truck was traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 78.
Hwy 78/I-22 WB near Red Banks Rd. is closed… crash involving an 18-wheeler. Black smoke can be seen.(Credit: Holly Whisenant Tedford)#wmc5 pic.twitter.com/Ft03EpFZqJ
— WMC AN5 Traffic (@MEMTraffic) October 2, 2017
The investigation is ongoing.
The crash forced Mashall County transportation officials to shutdown westbound Highway 78. The latest report indicates that the right lane of Highway 78 is still closed for the fatal crash.
#TrafficAlert: Crash on Hwy78/I-22 near Red Banks Rd. has been CLOSED due to a crash. #MarshallCounty #wmc5 pic.twitter.com/5HSrKwguPm
— WMC AN5 Traffic (@MEMTraffic) October 2, 2017