Victim identified in fatality crash on I-44 in Joplin

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The driver from this crash has been identified as Mario Andres Guerrero Suarez, age 58 of Blue Springs, Missouri. Next of kin has been notified. 

The semi-tractor trailer involved in this crash is owned by Harcros Trucking out of Kansas City, Kansas. The hazardous material from the incident was a corrosive chemical. The hazmat situation was rendered safe by Joplin Fire Department personnel and the roadway was opened back to normal traffic conditions around 4:30 p.m. on July 9th . 

This crash remains under investigation by the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team and further details may be released as information develops. 

Original news release

On July 9, 2024, at 09:50 a.m. the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 report of a rollover crash involving a semi-tractor trailer at the 13-mile marker on Interstate 44 eastbound. 

Officers with the Joplin Police Department responded to the scene along with members of the Joplin Fire Department, Missouri Department of Transportation, and METS Ambulance. 

Upon arrival, officers located the cab of the semi-truck in the median of I-44 with the trailer blocking both eastbound lanes of traffic on Interstate 44. 

Due to the roadway being blocked and hazardous materials being identified as cargo in the trailer, traffic was diverted off Interstate 44. The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team responded to the crash and are actively investigating the incident. 

Preliminary information revealed the semi tractor trailer was traveling eastbound on Interstate 44 when the vehicle left the roadway at the 13-mile marker, struck the center median cable barriers, and rolled over. 

The semi tractor trailer had a single occupant (driver) who died on scene. The crash remains under investigation to determine what probable contributing circumstances led to the crash. 

The identity of the driver is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. The Joplin Police Department Police Department 303 E 3rd Street Joplin, Missouri 64801 417-623-3131 anticipates having the eastbound lanes of traffic on Interstate 44 opened back up this afternoon following cleanup efforts. 

The I-44 eastbound off ramp for the Prigmor Avenue exit at the 13- mile marker will remain temporarily closed as cleanup crews continue to work the scene. Further details will be released once more information becomes available.