Semi carrying 109 head, about five initally escaped Joplin Police tell us

UPDATE: Traffic resumed normal flow and the crash completly clear at 10:35 AM. Unofficial information, less than 15% died. They were feeder cows traveling through Joplin. Each weighed 400-500 lbs.

Joplin firefighters worked to assist Joplin Stockyards staff in off-loading the nearly 100 live cows onto trailers and they were transported to the Joplin stockyards at mile marker 22. We believe this truck traveling through came from the West Plains area.

ORIGINAL; JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to a rollover crash, 5:20 AM, of a semi-tractor trailer at Joplin. Just west of the Rangeline Road exit, approximately 8.4 mile marker.

Upon arrival westbound lanes are completely blocked as the semi lay in the inner lane and across the median cables.

Joplin Police tell us the truck was carrying 109 head of cattle. However about five already escaped the truck before authorities arrived. Those that were free were secured by cowboys on horseback near Cracker Barrel and also a few located near 47th and Connecticut.

After being checked by EMS, the driver appears uninjured and is on the scene talking to authorities.

A veterinarian has been summoned to the scene Joplin Police tell us. And a team from the Joplin Stockyards are arriving with trailers and cowboys on horseback.

It’s said the semi hydroplaned along the drenched roadway. At the exact same time a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Northern Newton County, which is where this crash occurred.





























Expect detours and delays for hours through Joplin.

DELAY / DETOUR I-44 EAST / I-44 WEST

Along the Main Street to Rangeline corridor (mile markers 6 – 9) for hours.

Cattle must be offloaded and then the semi set upright, road will be blocked at that time.

Detour will take drivers off I-44 to 32nd Street back to I-44.

Check your MODOT Travelers App for updated information.