Vicksburg woman killed in I-20 crash
Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 14, 2009
A head-on collision on Interstate 20 Friday night killed a Vicksburg woman and sent a Texas couple to the hospital.
Bernice Taylor Kuhnert, 85, 230 Pear Orchard Drive, died of massive head, chest and body trauma, said Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey. The wreck occurred just west of the Bovina exit around 6:45 p.m.
Stephen Courtwright, 45, and his wife Tricia Courtwright, 38, both of 208 Hickory St., Gladewater, were taken to River Region Medical Center, said Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. John Minor.
Hospital spokesman Diane Gawronski said Tricia Courtwright was admitted and was in good condition Friday night. Stephen Courtwright’s condition was undetermined, as he was still being assessed in the emergency room.
Minor said Kuhnert, driving a 2006 Buick Lucerne, was westbound when her car crossed the median and collided with the Courtwrights’ eastbound 2006 Nissan Maxima. It was not apparent why Kuhnert lost control of her car, Minor said.
All three were wearing seat belts, and air bags did deploy, he said.
Officers from the highway patrol and Warren County deputies responded to the wreck, as well as firefighters from the Culkin Volunteer Fire Department, Minor said. Kuhnert’s vehicle briefly broke out in flames and smoke, but was not engulfed.
The wreck brought traffic on the interstate to a standstill for about an hour and a half, backed up to the U.S. 61 North exit. It was the second fatal wreck in Warren County this year. None have occurred in the city.
Riles Funeral Home is in charge of Kuhnert’s arrangements.
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Contact Pamela Hitchins at phitchins@vicksburgpost.com.