JEFFERSON CITY – Motorists might have noticed that Barrel Bob, the Missouri Department of Transportation’s 10-foot tall orange mascot who works tirelessly to promote work zone safety, is missing from his post on U.S. Route 50/63 in Jefferson City.
Barrel Bob hasn’t been kidnapped (which has happened before), but it appears he may have been victimized by an act of early Halloween villainy. The friendly work zone safety mascot was set on fire Tuesday evening on Route 50/63. Bob was discovered slumped over on the ground, with severe burns on his legs and torso. One leg was completely melted and the other was damaged in the fire. Both legs will need to be replaced.
Bob was taken into the shop on Wednesday and according to those close to him is receiving intensive repair. The mascot is expected to be out of commission for at least the next two weeks.
Barrel Bob didn’t swear revenge, but he has vowed to return to his post and resume his job of spreading the important message of work zone safety as soon as he is able.
If you would like send Bob get well wishes, you can follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MOBarrelBob. You can also follow MoDOT’s Central District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MoDOTCentralMissouriDistrict or on Twitter at @MoDOT_Central for updates to Bob’s condition.
NOTE: A photo is attached of Bob after the fire.
