Man killed in Jones Co. explosion identified

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.

No other injuries were reported in the incident.

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