Pike County, MS — July 30, 2025, One person was killed and one was injured in an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 3:30 A.M. on I-55.

According to reports, an 18-wheeler operated by Damond Julien was traveling south on Interstate 55 near Exit 15 when for unknown reasons its trailer struck a bridge as it was driving beneath it.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found Julien fatally injured and pronounced him deceased, while a second person was seriously injured and transported to the hospital via helicopter. It's unclear if the injured person was an occupant in the semi or another vehicle. This remains an ongoing investigation, and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a semi-truck strikes a bridge while driving beneath it, the most pressing question is: How did this trailer end up high enough to make contact with the bridge? The reports don’t clarify whether this was a case of improper load height, a mechanical failure, or even an issue with the bridge clearance itself. Without those answers, it’s impossible to know whether this was a freak occurrence or the result of preventable errors.

Several investigative steps are necessary to understand what happened:

• Load height and securement: Investigators will need to measure the trailer and any cargo to see if it exceeded the legal clearance for that section of roadway. If it did, the focus shifts to who approved the load and whether proper permits and routing were in place.
• Route planning and dispatch: Oversized or tall loads typically require careful route planning to avoid low-clearance structures. A review of company procedures and trip planning records may reveal critical errors.
• Black box and dash camera data: These can provide information about the truck’s speed, lane position, and any last-second evasive actions before the collision.
• Second injured party: It’s still unclear whether the other injured individual was inside the semi or another vehicle nearby. That detail will be important to fully understanding the crash sequence and potential impacts on other motorists.

Even though this was a single-vehicle collision, accountability may not rest solely with the driver. Load preparation, company oversight, and route planning can all play a role in allowing a truck to be on the road with clearance issues that lead to devastating consequences.

Key Takeaways:

• The involvement of a second injured person adds unanswered questions about the full chain of events.

• The cause of the bridge strike remains unknown and hinges on whether the trailer or its cargo exceeded legal height limits.

• Route planning, load securement, and company oversight are critical areas for investigation.

• Black box data and dash cams may clarify the truck’s movements before the collision.