Accident temporarily closes down I-44 Sunday afternoon

A vehicle accident just after 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon temporarily closed down the eastbound lanes of I-44 in Newton County, near Exit 6 east of Main Street in Joplin.

A small passenger car was involved and suffered damage.

First responders from local firefighting units had to wash fuel and other substances off the roadway following the accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

This story will be updated with further details as they are released.