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UPDATE: I-44 westbound resumed as the crash was removed from all lanes about 4:20 p.m. Traffic was halted for about 1 hour 45 mins. Delays continued westbound 32nd Street for a time afterwards.
JOPLIN, Mo. — Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023 about 2:40 p.m. reports of a crash in the westbound lanes on I-44 over Rangeline alerted Joplin E-911. Dump truck had rear-ended a tractor trailer blocking all lanes.
On scene we learn the driver of the dump truck was ejected from the vehicle. He was conscious but confused as he was talking to first responders. His condition is unknown after being transported to a Joplin hospital.
Google Maps screenshot of crash location during event.
All westbound I-44 traffic is exiting at Rangeline. All lanes west are blocked. Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT assisted with traffic control.
Members of the Joplin Police Major Crash Team were present and marked out the crash for investigation. The crash luckily happened as it was on the bridge apron where there is a solid concrete barrier separating east and west traffic.
Oil and motor fluids covered both lanes of westbound, Joplin Fire Dept used absorbents on the roadway and removed debris.
Schrader's Towing was summoned to remove the crash.
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Shannon Becker was born and raised in Joplin and began in radio before graduating from Joplin Senior High in 1990. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Missouri Southern State University (1994). Before launching Joplin News First in 2017, he worked in television and radio, overlapping a career in the music industry. He worked with major music artists for 20 years, garnering gold and platinum records to his credit. He comes to KOAM 7 News Now-CBS/FOX (Morgan-Murphy Media) with more than 30 years in media and entertainment. He previously worked for KOAM. He has five children and two grandchildren.
