JPD investigates I-44 crash that shut interstate down for 6+ hours

The Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team continues to investigate what led to a fatal one-vehicle crash on westbound I-44 Tuesday morning that shut down part of the interstate for several hours.

Just before 7am, the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received 911 reports of a rollover crash involving a semi tractor-trailer at the 9-mile marker at the Rangeline exit.

Numerous agencies responded to the scene and found that a semi-tractor trailer was going west on I-44 and left the roadway near the start of the off ramp to Rangeline and hit an overhead sign support pole.

The crash resulted in a cargo spill (non-hazardous) and significant damage to the overhead support sign.

The driver of the semi tractor trailer was pronounced deceased on scene. The identity of the driver is being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.