The driver of a jet-powered semitruck was killed after the vehicle crashed in a horrific crash in Michigan on Saturday, police said.
Battle Creek police identified the victim as 40-year-old Chris Darnell, who was behind the wheel of a Shockwave jet truck when it went through an explosion and appeared to be in flames, creating a smattering of smoke and debris recorded on video. A streak was born.
It was unclear whether the first burst of fire, which produced a cloud of black smoke, was part of the expected display at the annual Battle Creek Field of Light Air Show and Balloon Festival. State Government Website Promotes the event and notes that it features “Pyro and the Wall of Fire”.
Two prop planes were flying low when the accident occurred and were flying low over the truck as it went down a runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport.
In a post on Jet Truck Facebook Page, Darnell’s father, Neil Darnell, attributed the accident to mechanical failure.
“We are deeply saddened,” Darnell said in the Post. “Just a month ago Chris turned 40. He was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. Chris loved air show business. As he said, he was ‘Living the Dream.'”
According to the International Council of Air Shows, the truck was built by the late Les Shockley, known to be a pioneer of jet trucks, and has been operated by Darnell since 2012. According to the council, the vehicle is based on a 1985 Peterbilt and is powered by three J-34 jet engines.
The semitruck is said to have a top speed of over 300 mph. Chris Darnell claimed to hold the jet truck speed record, 375 mph, achieved in his team’s Flash Fire jet-modified pickup in Florida in 2005.
No one else was injured after the accident, it was reported soon after 1 pm on Saturday.
Police said the organizers canceled the rest of the day’s air shows, but other festivities would continue till the end of the festival on Monday.
The event also includes a musical performance and fireworks.
Police said Battle Creek Police, Fire and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident and the cause.
Michelle Acevedo contribution,