Pafford EMS crew critically injured during Mississippi crash

WESSON, Miss. (WJTV) - A Pafford EMS crew was injured during a fatal crash in Mississippi. The crash occurred on Interstate 55 near Wesson around 11:15 p.m. on February 6, 2026. Officials said the ambulance was traveling northbound on I-55 and had two crew members on board. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), a 2013 Ford F-150, driven by 38-year-old Terencio Powell, of Terry, was traveling south on the northbound lane of I-55 when it collided with the ambulance. The crew members, 48-year-old Joe Case, of Brookhaven, and 23-year-old Jonathan Harveston, of Louisiana, were transporting Michael Hawkins, 65, of Natchez. According to MHP, Hawkins died at the scene. Troopers said Powell and Case were both airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson for treatment. Harveston was transported to UMMC by an ambulance. Pafford EMS officials said the two crew members were in critical condition. "As we navigate through this difficult time, we ask for your compassion and to join us in praying for everyone affected. Our top priority remains the safety and full recovery of our crew members, and we are committed to supporting them in every way possible during their recovery journey," Pafford EMS officials said. Troopers said charges are pending against Powell. The crash remains under investigation by MHP.