A semi truck hauling bottled Dr. Pepper overturned on Mo-96 just north of Joplin early this morning.

 The tractor-trailer box broke open during the accident near Oronogo, MO, and spilled 44,000 pounds of Dr. Pepper across the highway. The trailer was completely destroyed in the accident and will have to be completely unloaded before the accident can be cleared.

Crews from The Jasper county Sheriff's Office, the Oronogo Police Department and Oronogo Fire Departments responded to the scene. The westbound lane of Mo-96 is closed and will likely remain so throughout the morning as clean-up occurs. Those planning to travel in the Joplin area today should avoid the area.