County garbage truck involved in fatal accident in Oxford
Published 10:28 am Thursday, March 4, 2021
On Thursday, March 4, at approximately 7:43 a.m., the Oxford Police Department was dispatched to a wreck at US 278 and F.D. Buddy East Parkway involving a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta and a Panola County 2020 Mack Garbage Truck.
Officers arrived on scene with the Oxford Fire Department, Priority Medical, and CareMed and began assessing the accident.
The driver of the Volkswagen, John Matthew Ellington (40 of Oxford) was pronounced deceased on scene. A female juvenile was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi where she passed away shortly after arriving.
A male juvenile was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi and flown to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. He is currently in critical condition.
The driver of the garbage truck was transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi with non-life threatening injuries.
OPD began the reconstruction process which entails talking with witnesses and on-scene investigating. Enforcement Officers with the Mississippi Department of Transportation were called in to assist OPD.
The accident is still under investigation and there is no immediate time frame for completion.
“Our hearts hurt for the Ellington family and their friends. When tragedy strikes our community, we all feel its impact. We will be praying for them in the coming days and weeks.” said Chief Jeff McCutchen.
The Panolian is withholding the name of the garbage truck driver at this time.
The driver was taking a load of garbage to the regional landfill in Pontotoc when the accident happened .
Panola County Board of Supervisors President Cole Flint said county officials are trying to learn more about the accident, and urged locals to refrain from repeating rumors of the details while authorities conduct their investigation.
“When something this tragic happens we are all full of emotions, but everyone needs to step back and let the proper officials do their job during this heartbreaking time,” Flint said. “I ask that everyone keep those individuals involved in their prayers.”
