According to police, a semi-truck driver with a jet engine died when the vehicle crashed in a severe accident in Michigan.
Battle Creek police have identified the victim as Chris Darnell, 40. Chris Darnell produced the smoke and debris streaks recorded in the video when the shockwave jet track appeared to be burning as it passed the race or due to an explosion.
It was not clear if the first flame explosion that created the black smoke cloud was part of the expected exhibits at the annual Battle Creek Field of Light Air Show and Balloon Festival. The State government website Please note that we promote the event and feature “pyro and the WALLOFFIRE”.
When the accident happened, as I ran through the runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport, two propeller planes performed aerial tricks and flew low over the truck.
In a jet truck post Facebook Page, Darnell’s father, Neil Darnell, blamed the mechanical failure of the accident.
“We are very sad,” Darnell said in a post. “Just a month ago, Chris turned 40. He was loved by everyone who knew him. Chris loved the air show business. As he said. He was “living a dream”. “
The truck was created by the late Reshockley, who is said to be a pioneer of jet trucks, and has been operated by Darnell since 2012, according to the International Air Show Council. According to the council, the vehicle is based on the 1985 Peterbilt and is powered by three J-34 jet engines.
Semi-trucks are said to be able to exceed 300 mph. Chris Darnell claimed to hold a jet track speed record of 375mph, achieved in 2005 with his team’s Flash Fire Jet Corrective Pickup in Florida.
No other injuries have been reported after the crash reported after 1:00 pm on Saturday.
Police said the organizers canceled the rest of the day’s air show, but other festivals will continue on schedule until the end of Monday’s festival.
Events also include music performances and fireworks.
Police said the Battle Creek police, fire department, and Federal Aviation Administration were investigating the crash and cause.