Tragedy in Gulfport: One Dead, Three Injured After Vehicle Crashes Into Coast Radio Group Building

• Fatality: A 59-year-old woman, Elizabeth “Liz” Thornburg, an administrative assistant with Gulf Coast Radio, was killed in the building during the crash. Officials confirmed she died on the scene.

• Injuries: Three additional individuals were hospitalized, including the driver and two others who were inside the station at the time. Their conditions remain under investigation.

Witness Accounts & Reactions

• Eyewitness account: One driver waiting at a red light described how the vehicle “flew through the intersection … going upward of 80 miles per hour before slamming into the building.”

• Coast Radio response: Employees were quickly evacuated, and many rushed to help those injured in the building following the collision.

Emergency Response & Traffic

• First responders: Fire, police, and emergency crews were dispatched immediately. The building was assessed for structural damage and awaited further stabilization before re-entry.

• Road closures: Northbound lanes of Cowan-Lorraine Road were blocked but reopened around 3 p.m., with commuters urged to use Seaway Road as a detour amid heavy traffic.

Possible Causes & Investigation Status

• Unknown cause: Authorities have not yet determined whether driver error, mechanical failure, or external factors contributed to the crash. No charges have been filed so far.

• Ongoing investigation: Gulfport Police and Harrison County officials are actively investigating. More information will follow as evidence is gathered.

Historical Context

• A prior collision occurred in 2015 at the same intersection, when a vehicle crashed into a nearby well station, causing a chlorine leak and hospitalizing five people. This underscores the recurring danger at this junction.

Community Impact

• Loss & grief: The Gulfport radio community mourns the loss of Liz Thornburg—her colleagues remember her as a dedicated presence behind the scenes.

• Public alarm: The shocking nature of the crash has sparked concern over intersection safety and the need for improved traffic calming measures.

• Support & solidarity: Local resources, counseling, and first-responder recognition efforts are expected to be organized in the aftermath.

What Comes Next?

• Investigation updates: Authorities are expected to release further findings as the wreck’s cause becomes clearer.

• Recovery monitoring: Families of the injured will await updates on treatment progress.

• Traffic reassessment: Officials may review intersection controls and speed enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.

Summary Table

This tragic incident marks a profound loss for the Gulfport community, especially for those at Coast Radio Group. As details continue emerging, officials, colleagues, and residents are grappling with both grief and concerns over road safety at this critical intersection.