LINCOLN, Neb. — Eight workers at a Nebraska meat processing plant claimed the record $365 million Powerball jackpot on Wednesday, giving each about $15.5 million after taxes.
The seven men and one woman, introduced by Gov. Dave Heineman, all work at a ConAgra ham processing plant near the U Stop convenience store where they bought the winning ticket for Saturday's lottery.
It was the biggest jackpot for any U.S. lottery.
"I didn't know what to think," said Robert Stewart, 30, who said he was a maintenance supervisor before the win. "I still don't know what to think."
The previous U.S. lottery jackpot record was $363 million for the Big Game, the forerunner of Mega Millions. Powerball's previous record jackpot, $340 million, was won by an Oregon family in October.
In addition to Stewart, the winners were identified as Quang Dao, 56; David Gehle, 53; Alain Maboussou, 26; Chasity Rutjens, 29; Michael Terpstra, 47; Dung Tran, 34; and Eric Zornes, 40.
The winning numbers were 15, 17, 43, 44 and 48, with a Powerball number of 29, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association of Des Moines, Iowa, which runs the game for the participating states.
Powerball tickets are sold in 28 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On the Net:
Powerball: www.powerball.com
Nebraska Lottery: www.nelottery.com