One year mark for Biloxi train accident

Exactly one year ago today, a train accident in Biloxi killed four tourists from Texas on a bus. News 25’s Jaylon Morris went to Biloxi to meet with two people who remember the day like it was yesterday.
March 7th, 2017 is a day Pastor Eric Dickey will never forget. “It was unexpected. It was sad to see people in fear.”
A bus load of senior citizens were involved in a horrific train accident at the Main Street crossing in Biloxi, killing four senior citizens and injuring dozens. Biloxi Battalion Chief of Health and Safety Michelle Crowley was one of the first people on the scene. She remembers the faces of the people in the community. “I think they saw tragedy unfold right in front of their face. It was just heartbreaking.”
Pastor Dickey says locals can’t unsee the accident, however looking at life on the other side of the tracks is what makes this community strong. “I know in some aspect this does have some trauma effect on some people, but we just have to reassure them there’s greater hope alive if they just continue to focus on the future.”
Pastor Dickey says every time a train crosses the tracks, it reminds him of that day. It also reminds him to take precaution when crossing. “Every time the train rolls, every time the horn blows, we are reminded. If you can’t beat the train, make sure you don’t tie. As a result of that, we always want to make sure that we pay attention to the crossing.”
It only took an hour and sixteen minutes to transfer almost 46 patients to the hospital that terrible day. “It means that we are doing things rights. We are training correctly and we are making it good for the community,” said Crowley.
It wasn’t just first responders who saved lives. Good Samaritans in Biloxi were more than willing to help the visitors from Texas. “It brought the community together from the aspect of rushing quickly to the aid of those that were survivors,” said Pastor Dickey.
“I think today is going to be their rememberance of what they say and what they did to help bring about the best that they could for the people that was on that bus because they did a lot of good things for people that day,” said Crowley.
Pastor Dickey still prays for the families of the victims who were killed. “We can reflect upon the uniqueness of every individual that was on that bus and those that were impacted in that incident because it brought so many people together.”