Man killed in Jones Co. explosion identified

The explosion happened Wednesday morning on Job R Lane in the Moselle area.
Published: Aug. 4, 2021 at 9:38 AM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - An employee with a recycling company in Jones County was in his first week on the job when he was killed in an explosion Wednesday morning.

The explosion happened while workers were breaking down tires for scrap at Moselle Recycling on Job R Lane.

The owner of the business, Shannon Jarrell, said the workers were sitting down taking a break when something nearby exploded.

Jones County Deputy Medical Examiner Ernest Hollingsworth said one of the men sustained severe injuries to his lower body and died.

Jones County Deputy Coroner Ernest Hollingsworth identified the victim to be 35-year-old James Keyes, of Jones County.

Jarrell said this was just the man’s third day on the job. She said her thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Authorities have not said what caused the explosion, but officials with the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office were on the scene investigating.

First responders on the scene of an explosion in Jones County.
First responders on the scene of an explosion in Jones County.(Source: WDAM)

No other injuries were reported in the incident.

Copyright 2021 WDAM. All rights reserved.