I-44 exit 8 ramp reopens; Joplin Police identify driver of semi in fatal crash as Oklahoma man

UPDATE: MoDOT have reopened the I-44 exit 8 ramp to Rangeline . It could close again for more updates to signage and guardrail work.

The driver from this fatality crash has been identified as Jermaine Bingham , age 51 of Bixby, Oklahoma. Next of kin has been notified. Bingham was driving the semi tractor trailer for Saia Motor Freight Line, LLC. The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team is continuing to investigate this crash. Further details may be released as information becomes available.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) — I-44 westbound exit onto Rangeline at Exit 8 remains closed since a fatal crash occurred Tuesday morning at 6:55 a.m.

“ Westbound I-44 exit ramp CLOSED at Range Line Road (Exit 8 ) in #Joplin 9 p.m., Wednesday August 28-3 a.m., Thursday, August 29. Contractor crews replacing guardrail on the ramp #MoDOTSW ”

— MoDOT SW

We observe crews assembling signage that will go over the highway after the crash destroyed the previous structure.

THE FATAL CRASH

6:55 a.m. Tuesday a tractor-trailer pulling tandems (two smaller box trailers) left the roadway to the right, taking out a significant amount of guardrail. Then the vehicle struck the north support for the signage that goes over the westbound lanes.

| KOAM RELATED >> Fatal I-44 crash at Joplin’s Rangeline exit 8

The driver was pronounced on the scene.

Initially the interstate was closed 6 1/2 hours until reopening to all westbound traffic however exit 8 remains closed TFN.

The crash remains an ongoing Joplin Police Major Crash Team investigation.

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