An Indianola man has died after his vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler Thursday afternoon.
Lewis Odell (Kilroy)Townsend, 60, was pronounced dead on the scene at 3:34 pm., according to Sunflower County Coroner Heather Burton.
The coroner reported that Townsend was traveling northbound on U.S. 49. His vehicle had crossed the median and collided with an 18-wheeler that was traveling southbound on U.S. 49.
Multiple first responders and law enforcement agencies responded to the wreck.
U.S. 49 South was closed temporarily and then was made into a two-lane to keep traffic flowing as emergency responders worked at the scene.
It was a few hours later before the scene was cleared.
There was approximately 400 feet of road covered by a biodegradable plant-based sorbent. Travelers were urged caution when approaching the area.
Sunflower County Deputy Fire Coordinator Jim Whitfield noted that drivers may encounter a notable diesel smell, but there is no danger.
