Man dies while trying to jump onto moving semi during rush-hour traffic, authorities say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - Authorities in Missouri say a man is dead after he fell while attempting to jump onto the trailer of a moving semitruck on Interstate 70.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, first responders were called to the area of I-70 and Stadium Drive around 3:15 p.m. Friday with reports of an injury crash.

Police said the situation started when a enger of a GMC pickup truck exited the vehicle as it was traveling eastbound on I-70.

Investigators said there was traffic during rush hour and a semitruck, which was behind the pickup, then began to change lanes.

However, the man who got out of the pickup began to try to make his way inside the semituck’s cab.

In an attempt to move away, police said the semi driver began to move forward as the man ran alongside the flatbed.

The man then jumped onto the trailer and grabbed a retention strap as the truck was moving, police said.

According to law enforcement officials, the man lost his grip and fell to the roadway, where the rear axle of the trailer drove over him before the driver could stop. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

All lanes of eastbound I-70 were closed at Interstate 435 for about two and a half hours.

Authorities didn’t immediately identify those involved, but said the situation remains under investigation.

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