One killed as I-44 shut down for Joplin Police Major Crash Team investigation

UPDATE: Sunday evening Capt William Davis of Joplin Police Dept tells us the Major Crash Team continue to investigate the crash. He confirms one person was killed. We anticipate more information Monday. 

I-44 east was reopened to all traffic just before 6 a.m. Sunday as it was closed nearly 3 1/2 hours for investigation by the JPD Major Crash Team. We will continually update this article with more details as they are released by authorities. — Shannon Becker

JOPLIN, Mo. — Just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning reports of traffic halted along I-44 east near 4.5 mile marker alerted Joplin Emergency Dispatch to a crash.

MoDot Emergency Response has closed I-44 East at exit 4. All traffic eastbound on I-44 must exit at Petro/Loves.

Sgt Jared Delzell of the Joplin Police Dept tells us they hope to have the road reopened before 6 a.m.

Google Maps screenshot during crash event. I-44 east near 4.5 mile marker.

• EXIT 4 PETRO/LOVE’S
• DETOUR — Tractor trailer north Coyote to 32nd Street east. Then Main Street south to I-44 east.
• DETOUR — small passenger vehicles south to Dutch Elm. East to MO-86 then north to I-44 east.

The Joplin Police Major Crash Team have been summoned to the crash scene.

This will be an hours-long shutdown of the interstate eastbound.

Just before 4 a.m. the Newton County Coroner arrived to the scene.

We will update with more information as it becomes available.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with Joplin News First on. KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Shannon Becker is at the crash scene now and will have updates. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews1st email list so you don’t miss an article.

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