mergency personnel rescued victims of two early Wednesdayaccidents on Interstate 55 using the Jaws of Life.

According to Trooper Larry Foster of the Mississippi HighwayPatrol, Michael Thomas, of Franklinton, La., was pulling amedium-sized utility trailer just south of the Dixie Springs exitwhen a vehicle driven by Fred Clark Jr., of Port Allen, La.,rear-ended him. Foster said he responded to the call at theLincoln-Pike county line at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday and stayed on thescene until 3 a.m.

Foster said the trailer became unhitched from Thomas’ vehiclewhen it was hit from behind. The trailer then came to rest in theinterstate, which caused the second accident. Foster said neitherThomas or Clark was injured in the accident and no citations wereissued.

The second accident occurred when a vehicle driven by WilbertArnold, of Texas, tried to avoid the trailer on the interstate,left the road and hit a tree, Foster said.

Arnold and two passengers in his vehicle were freed from thevehicle by McComb Fire Department personnel using the Jaws of Life.The Brookhaven Fire Department also responded to the call.

Beverly Carter, a representative of the MFD would not comment onthe accident this morning.

Delaine Fortenberry, public relations coordinator for SouthwestMississippi Regional Medical Center, said Arnold was treated in theemergency room and released.