Accident Reconstruction Network > News >August 2008

Accident Reconstruction News Article

JACKSON COUNTY -- Both drivers in a head-on collision on Seaman Road were critically injured and unconscious when they were transported for emergency medical care, authorities said.

Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Kelley identified the drivers as Ocean Springs residents Thomas Louis Jason Longon, 32, of Spanish Drive, and Louis B. Henderson, 46, of Lake Forest Drive.

Longon was taken by helicopter to the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. Henderson was taken by ambulance to Ocean Springs Hospital.

"It's still under investigation and we won't be able to say who was at fault until the accident reconstruction is finished," Kelley said.

Longon was eastbound in a 1994 Chevy Silverado and Henderson was westbound in a 2004 Mazda 6 when the crash occurred at 2:53 p.m. They collided 40 to 50 yards east of Arguelles Road, about a mile east of Mississippi 609.

Witnesses said it appeared that Henderson was speeding and lost control of his car, left the road and returned, striking Longon's pickup in the eastbound lane, Kelley said. The pickup came to rest in a ditch.

"Mr. Henderson was not wearing a seat belt," said Kelley. "Both of his air bags did deploy but he was thrown to the passenger side of his vehicle."

Emergency response to the accident shut down traffic for at least two and a half hours.

Volunteer firefighters from Latimer, Fort Bayou, West Jackson County and Vancleave responded, using Jaws of Life to remove the cab of the pickup to remove Longon.

Acadian Ambulance sent two units, and first-responders called for Gulf Coast MedEvac to airlift Longon to Mobile.

A school bus with students on board became stuck when the driver apparently tried to turn around to avoid the blocked roadway and became stuck in a grassy area. Authorities called for a replacement bus to get the children to their homes.