An Amtrak Mardi Gras Service train struck and killed a pedestrian Wednesday morning in Biloxi, shutting down nearby crossings and stalling service along the Gulf Coast line. The collision happened near Rodenberg Avenue as a westbound train passed through, and emergency crews locked down the area while investigators worked the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s name, as reported by NOLa.com.
Biloxi police told NOLA.com that officers were called to the Rodenberg Avenue crossing at about 7:50 a.m. Lt. Matthew Jalanivich said the westbound train was held for roughly 30 minutes while investigators documented the site, and the department noted that the collision remains under investigation.
A troubling pattern along the Gulf Coast
Wednesday’s crash is the latest in a string of deadly incidents since Amtrak restored passenger service along the Gulf Coast last year. Local coverage has detailed earlier wrecks, including a two-person fatality on the line in Pass Christian in September and a separate crash in Gautier in November, according to SuperTalk Mississippi.
A separate collision near Mobile that authorities say killed a mother and her 8-year-old daughter was reported earlier this year, raising renewed questions about crossing safety as the revived route sees heavier daily traffic. Local Accident Reports documented that February crash.
Sixth fatality since service resumed
According to NOLA.com, the Biloxi collision is at least the sixth death linked to Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service since the line began running in August 2025. Amtrak launched the twice-daily Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile in August 2025 as part of broader efforts to restore Gulf Coast passenger service, and Amtrak materials outline the route and its August start date.
Safety push and official response
Amtrak and regional partners have promoted informational campaigns on crossing safety as trains returned to the coast, and company materials cite ongoing coordination with state and local officials on safety messaging. Industry coverage has described efforts to reintroduce residents to more frequent passenger movements along the corridor, with Trains highlighting that public-safety outreach around the service.
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly called for stronger protections at crossings and more aggressive public education about the restored route after each fatal wreck, according to area reporting. Community demands for additional engineering upgrades and tighter enforcement have grown louder as the death toll has climbed, with SuperTalk Mississippi and other regional outlets cataloging similar concerns after previous incidents.
Biloxi police say the latest collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Biloxi Police Department, and Amtrak has said it will continue to work with local authorities as their inquiries move forward.
