Local woman dies in accident with 18 wheeler on I-59

According to Picayune Police Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri, Kim Mills, 53, of 8001 Fishhook Lane, Picayune, MS, was killed when her Toyota Prius was unable to stop in time to avoid a rear end collision with an 18 wheeler that had slowed down on I-59 near the weigh station, just north of the Nicholson exit.

Magri stated that the driver of the 18th wheeler had reduced his speed due to an accident that was being worked by law enforcement just in front of him on the northbound side of I-59. AAA Ambulance Service, Picayune Police and Fire Departments, and the Nicholson VFD all responded to the accident. Mills body had to be extracted from her vehicle according to Magri.

Coroner Derek Turnage told WRJW News that Mills died as a result of blunt force trauma. Magri said that while there was no indication that alcohol or drugs played in a part in the accident, the driver of the 18 wheeler, Israel Pruneda of Magnolia, Texas, was transported to Highland Hospital and consented to a blood test in accordance to state law.