Alabama man dies in truck-car rollover accident early Monday

An Alabama truck driver died in an early-morning two-vehicle accident on I-22 between New Albany and Blue Springs.

The victim, Lorenzo Burrell, 56, of Epes, Ala., was driving an 18-wheeler westbound on the highway when his truck hit the back of an SUV parked on the side of the road between mile marker 71 and 72. Those at the scene said the vehicle may have run out of gas with the driver waiting for assistance.

The driver may have tried to miss the vehicle, causing the truck to go off the shoulder and overturn.

Medical Examiner-Investigator Pam Boman said the victim died at the scene.

“Southeast Volunteer Fire Department and New Albany Rescue were dispatched just after 5:17 a.m. Monday morning to a two-vehicle MVA between the 71/72 mile marker westbound Interstate 22 involving an 18-wheeler and car with the 18-wheeler roll over,” New Albany Fire Chief Mark Whiteside said.

“Rescue and Union SO made scene and found the 18-wheel truck off the road and upside down,” he continued. “Crews worked for about one hour and 45 minutes to remove the driver, who did not survive.”

The driver of the automobile was treated by BMH-Union County Medical Crews and those injuries were not believed to be critical.

“Rescue crews were assisted by Southeast Union Fire Department, BMH-Union County and wrecker and recovery crews to free the victim,” he said. “Anytime we have an accident this severe involving a large truck it can be a little more difficult to free the victim. Add the difficulty of the large vehicle and working with a fatality, we want to be sure and take care and extra time if needed out of respect for the victim and family when freeing and removing them from the wreckage,” Whiteside said. “We as emergency responders know how tragic this can be, and we make every attempt to be efficient, professional and have the utmost respect for everyone involved.”

The accident is under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.