Powerball lottery: Missouri man claims share of jackpot

A couple from the US state of Missouri have claimed their share of a $587.5m (£366.6m) Powerball lottery jackpot.

Mark and Cindy Hill, of Dearborn, will split the record prize with a winner from Arizona, who has not come forward.

Mr Hill, a 52-year-old mechanic at a meat-processing plant, and his wife, a former office manager, said they might now adopt a second child - after adopting a Chinese girl five years ago.

The Arizona winner has 180 days to claim the remaining prize money.

The jackpot swelled after 16 consecutive rollover draws. The numbers drawn late on Wednesday were 5, 23, 16, 22, 29 and 6.

'Probably never happens'

Mrs Hill, an office manager who was made redundant in June 2010, said in a statement: "It's really going to be nice to spend time - not have to work - and be able to take trips with our family."

The couple also said they would use their winnings to help their relatives, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, pay for college. Mr Hill has suggested he might buy a red Chevrolet Camaro.

The Hills bought their lottery ticket at a Trex Mart petrol station on the outskirts of Dearborn. Although they did not speak to the press, it was reported that neighbours quickly guessed the couple had won.

"I was just telling my daughter the night before, 'Honey, that probably never happens'," Mrs Hill said about their chances of winning the massive prize.

They have not said whether they plan to receive their payout in a single lump sum or in annual instalments.

The other winning ticket was sold at a Four Sons Food shop in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

The Powerball jackpot, which was the second-largest in US history, triggered a frenzy of ticket sales. At one point, 130,000 tickets were reportedly being bought each minute.

Forty-two US states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands participate in the Powerball lottery.

Officials doubled the price of Powerball lottery tickets in January to $2.

Despite an initial drop in sales, revenue is reportedly about 35% higher than 2011 figures.