Police said that the driver of a semitruck powered by jets died after the vehicle collided in a fiery accident in Michigan.
Battle Creek police identified the victim, Chris Darnell, 40. He was driving the Shockwave Truck Truck.
It was not clear whether the first burst of flames that created a black cloud of smoke at the Battle Creek Field of Light Air Show & Balloon Festival was an expected part of the event. The website of the state government promotes the event, noting that it includes “pyro and THE WALL OF FIRE”.
The accident occurred when two prop planes were performing aerobatic tricks and flying low over the truck while it raced down the runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport.
Neal Darnell, Darnell’s dad, posted a Facebook post blaming mechanical failure for the accident.
Darnell wrote in the post, “We are so sorry.” “Just one month ago Chris was 40. Everyone who knew Chris loved him so much. Chris loved the Air Show business. As he put it, he was living the dream.
According to the International Council of Air Shows, the truck was built by Les Shockley, who is considered to be the pioneer of jet-trucks. It has been operated by Darnell’s since 2012. According to the council, the vehicle is based upon a 1985 Peterbilt with three J-34 jet engine power.
According to the semitruck, it can travel at speeds of more than 300 mph. Chris Darnell claimed that he holds the jet truck speed record of 375 mph. This was achieved using his Flash Fire jet-modified pickup, which he built in Florida in 2005.
The crash was reported shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday. There were no other injuries.
According to police, organizers cancelled the remainder of the air show for Monday but other celebrations would continue as planned through the festival’s conclusion on Monday.
There will also be music performances and fireworks.
