HWY 49 safety concerns after fatal hit and run

Local business owners say there are far too many fatalities on Highway 49 where a Gulfport man was killed in a hit and run accident Sunday.
According to authorities, sixty-four year-old Gulfport Resident Kenneth Jones died instantly after being struck by a car Sunday near where Highway 49 and Airport Road meet. The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Tyler Clemons of Diamondhead, is behind bars.
The fatal accident happened along the same section of the highway where a pedestrian was hit and killed in January.
Nearby businesses tell News 25 south of the interstate on this area of Highway 49 is very dangerous to walk or bike. Twin Star Wine and Liquor Manager Diana Smith said, “All of our customers who walk over from the hotel, always tell them to be sure and cross at the light because people don’t pay attention, driving too fast, speeding, a lot of accidents, pedestrian accidents.”
Clemons is facing charges for leaving the scene of Sunday’s fatal accident and is being held on a $100,000 bond.