Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarBystanders view the accident on State Boulevard Extension from afar, the accident delayed a family’s Thanksgiving celebration

A vehicle accident off State Boulevard Extension in Meridian ended with no injuries but delayed a family’s Thanksgiving celebration Thursday. 

Driver John Ivey, westbound on the road, apparently lost control and drove over a cement wall, ending in a muddy pond off the edge of the road. Ivey and passenger Kayla Smith and been traveling to Smith’s father’s home for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Ivey and Smith had to walk through the mud, Smith without shoes, to get back to the road. Both Ivey and Smith had mud from the waist down and were barefoot after the accident. Water from the pond covered the front seats and came halfway up the back tires. Fish splashed near the vehicle and there were reports of an alligator in the water. 

Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded as well as volunteer firefighters from Suqualena Fire & Rescue.

Authorities said a big tow truck would have to come and pull the vehicle straight up in the air to get the vehicle out from the mud. Ivey and Smith, wet and muddy, hoped to get back to their planned activities after waiting for the tow truck. 

“I think we’re going to go eat Thanksgiving and have a regular day,” said Ivey.