FORREST COUNTY, Miss. — Authorities have confirmed one fatality following a serious crash involving two 18-wheelers on Interstate 59 near the intersection with U.S. Hwy 98 on Friday morning.

The crash occurred around 10:27 a.m., blocking all southbound lanes on I-59. Emergency responders from the Hattiesburg Fire Department reported an entrapment at the scene, and the Hattiesburg Police Department later confirmed one death.

Due to fuel and oil spills from the wreck, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has been dispatched to the crash site. Additional cleanup crews from Clinton are en route to assist.

To manage heavy congestion, law enforcement has closed I-59 southbound beyond the intersection with U.S. Hwy 49, rerouting traffic through Exit 67. This closure also affects drivers attempting to enter I-59 south from U.S. Hwy 98.

Mississippi Department of Transportation cameras show significant traffic delays along U.S. Hwy 49 and U.S. Hwy 98/Hardy Street due to diverted traffic. Officials have also reported several minor collisions related to congestion, some of which have already been cleared.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution, expect delays, and allow extra time for travel while cleanup and investigation continue.