Police say 1 killed in Shockwave semitruck explosion, Joplin connection

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) One person, formerly of the Joplin area, has died following an explosion during a jet-fueled semi truck performance at a southwestern Michigan air show.  

Emergency crews responded after the explosion happened about 1 p.m. Saturday at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. 

The Battle Creek Police Department announced the death of the driver and owner, 40 year old Chris Darnell. 

An air show spokeswoman says the Shockwave Jet Truck was going down a runway when the explosion occurred. 

The truck is part of Springfield, Missouri-based Darnell Racing Enterprises. 

It was powered by two jet engines and reached speeds topping 300 mph.

No other injuries were immediately reported.