Fatal accident investigation shuts down eastbound I-44 overnight

A portion of I-44 was closed down overnight for a Joplin Police Major Crash Team investigation.

Emergency responders were dispatched to a serious accident around 2:30 a.m. and the eastbound lanes were shut down.

It is reported that the Newton County coroner was dispatched to the crash scene which reportedly took the life of a motorcycle driver.

The accident took place near the 4.5 mile marker.

The highway officially opened again just before 6 a.m.

The name of the man killed has not yet been released.

NewsTalk KZRG will have further details as they become available.