Victim in fiery car crash unidentified

The victim of a fiery one-vehicle crash last Thursday morning on I-55 between Madison and Ridgeland remains unidentified, officials say.

Madison Police Capt. Kevin Newman said “Due to the condition of the driver’s remains as a result of the post-accident fire,” the official identification has not been made.

“We are waiting on the Coroner’s Office to provide that information,” Newman said.

Madison County Coroner Alex Breeland said his office hoped to have the victim identified by the end of the week, though the process is still ongoing.

The crash happened on Aug. 17, at about 9 a.m. Newman said MPD received a 911 call regarding a gray passenger car traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 in the Madison city limits.  

A few minutes later, the Ridgeland Police Department received a 911 call that a gray passenger car crashed into the trees on the west side of the southbound lanes near mile marker 107 at the Madison Avenue exit, Newman said.  

“Once emergency personnel arrived on scene,” Newman said. “the vehicle was already fully engulfed in flames.” 

The Madison Fire Department was on the scene to begin rescue efforts and extinguish the fire.  

“Despite their best efforts,” Newman said. “The driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased.” 

Authorities say the vehicle was only occupied by the driver and there were no other vehicles involved in the accident. 

“The Madison Police Department would like to thank the Ridgeland Police Department, Ridgeland Fire Department and Madison Fire Department for their prompt response and assistance on scene,” Newman said.