Driver of Kansas City garbage truck killed in fiery crash had worked for city for 2 years
Thirty-four-year-old Jamaal McDaniel was identified as one of the two Kansas City Public Works Department employees killed when a garbage truck overturned in a crash and burst into flames, a police spokeswoman said.
McDaniel, who was driving the trash truck at the time of the crash, was a two-year employee with the Public Works Department, according to a message the city sent out on Twitter Wednesday night.
“We remember Jamaal and hold him and his family in our hearts,” the city said on Twitter. “Thank you for your service, Jamaal.”
The other city worker killed in the crash has not been identified. The condition of a third city employee seriously injured in the crash was not immediately available Thursday.
The truck crashed as it was exiting from northbound Interstate 435 onto Front Street late Tuesday morning. A preliminary investigation determined that the driver lost control and the truck flipped over, striking the concrete barrier between eastbound and westbound Front Street. The truck caught fire and thick black smoke could be seen coming from the wreck from the distance.
A Kansas City police officer, who happened to be passing by, helped one of the crew members escape the fiery wreck.
In a press conference to address the fatal crash, Public Works Director Michael Shaw said the fatal crash marked the first he’s seen in Kansas City after 23 years on the job.
“We’re shook to the core,” Shaw said.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said on Twitter that as of Wednesday night, the city stands at 23 homicides and 19 roadway fatalities.
“These are all preventable tragedies and we remain committed to saving lives through violence prevention, responsible enforcement, and Vision Zero planning,” he said. “Every life is special and important.”
An analysis by The Star that was published Wednesday found that the I-435 and Front Street area was one of the deadliest locations for traffic crashes the past two years.
This story was originally published March 3, 2022 at 7:04 AM.
