Gulfport, Mississippi – One Person Loses Life and Three Injured in High-Speed Collision into Local Radio Building
Gulfport, Mississippi – A tragic incident unfolded Friday afternoon at a busy Gulfport intersection, leaving one person dead and three others injured after a speeding vehicle careened into a prominent local radio station building. The crash occurred just after 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Seaway Road and Cowan Lorraine Road, a well-traveled area in the city’s commercial zone.
Authorities from the Gulfport Fire Department reported that the vehicle involved was traveling at an estimated speed of 80 miles per hour. Witnesses stated that the vehicle appeared to have disregarded a red traffic signal before slamming into the Coast Radio Group building, which houses several popular radio stations including Coast 102, Kicker 108, and 95.3 Gorilla.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, where the aftermath revealed significant structural damage to the building as well as severe destruction to the vehicle involved. The impact left debris scattered across the premises, drawing the attention of local bystanders and media outlets.
First responders discovered four individuals inside the vehicle. One person was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of injuries sustained in the crash. The three surviving occupants were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their conditions have not been made public at this time.
Officials from the Gulfport Fire Department and local law enforcement agencies have since launched a full investigation into the events leading up to the crash. Early assessments point to excessive speed as a primary factor, although toxicology reports and further assessments will be required to determine whether other factors were involved.
Inside the radio station building, several employees were present during the crash. Fortunately, no staff members were physically harmed, though many reported being shaken and emotionally distressed by the sudden and violent nature of the collision. Radio broadcasts were temporarily interrupted, and emergency protocols were activated to secure the scene and ensure staff safety.
City engineers and building inspectors were also dispatched to evaluate the damage to the broadcasting facility. Initial reports suggest the building has sustained structural compromise, but repair and recovery efforts are already underway. The stations involved are working to restore normal operations while coordinating with building contractors and insurance providers.
The crash has sparked renewed discussions within the Gulfport community about traffic safety and enforcement at busy intersections like Seaway Road and Cowan Lorraine Road. Several residents have expressed concern about speeding in the area and are urging city officials to implement additional measures, including increased police presence or traffic-calming infrastructure.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are asking for any additional witnesses to come forward with information. In the meantime, the Gulfport community remains united in grief for the life lost and in support of those who were injured. The tragic nature of this event has left a lasting impact on both the broadcasting team and the broader community they serve.
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