Ellisville – Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Ellisville Fire Department and multiple county volunteer fire departments responded to the report of a multi-car collision just south of exit 88 on I-59 in the northbound lanes. Upon arrival, firefighters found debris littering the interstate and nine vehicles involved in the incident. Just south of exit 88 the lead vehicle sustained a blowout that began the collisions. Four persons were transported to the emergency department with injuries, one of those with critical injuries.
I-59 was shut down at the south Ellisville exit (exit 85) and remained close for almost two hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. Traffic was diverted to Highway 11 to bypass the scene.
EFD was assisted by Moselle, South Jones, Southwest Jones, Boggy and M & M volunteer fire departments. Officials with the Jones County EMA, Jones County Sheriff's Office, MHP, Ellisville Police Department, and Emserv Ambulance Service were also on scene.
Before this incident could be cleared and traffic reopened, there was a two-car collision south of exit 85, but no injuries were reported in that incident.
Additionally, during the same time, there was a two-car collision near the rest area at the 107 mile marker on I-59. MHP also responded to this incident. Emserv Ambulance Service transported one passenger to the emergency department with minor injuries. The driver of one vehicle reported using his cellular device at the time of the incident.
The Jones County Fire Council would like to take this time to remind you to not use your cell phone while driving and also use caution when nearing a crash scene or upon approaching emergency vehicles in the roadway.
Information by Dana Bumgardner – PIO, Jones County Fire Council.