Damaged Flying J truck stop in Joplin, Mo. (Photo Eric Bruner)

The devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., May 22 killed 139 people, injured hundreds and heavily damaged a Flying J truck stop.

The twister was reported to be a mile wide and created a path of destruction three miles long.

Vince Luckey, owner of Luckey Transfer of Street, Ill., said one of his tractor-trailers carrying a hazardous materials load on I-44 westbound was lifted off the highway by the tornado and carried about 600 feet before landing off the road. The driver told Luckey he was shaken up and slightly injured in the incident. Luckey said a crew has been sent to investigate the status of the 75,000-lb. load of soap packets.

The driver recounted seeing at least 40 tractor-trailers overturned along the highway, Luckey said. 

The state’ public safety department suspended regulations affecting truckers regarding hours-of-service and permits for oversize/overweight permits and International Registration Plan until 11:59 p.m. May 28. Affected truckers should keep a copy of the declaration in their truck, which is available at www.modot.org/mcs/documents/EmergencyDeclaration11-3.pdf

Confirmed deaths rose to 116 Monday afternoon, May 23, in Jasper County, where Joplin is located. Missouri Department of Public Safety employee is providing updates in the region at http://dps.mo.gov.

Oklahoma City’s MHC Kenworth was handling calls that would have normally been received at the Joplin MHC Kenworth, which was closed after the tornado. More information was not immediately available.