(credit: Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WCCO) – The driver of a semi truck was killed after a crash and fire that closed Interstate 94 in western Wisconsin Monday morning.
The semi truck was reportedly a fuel tanker carrying nearly 7,500 gallons of fuel. Authorities said the tanker was headed eastbound on the highway around 5:30 a.m. when it crossed the median and came to rest in the westbound lanes.
Authorities say the truck struck the northside of the Wisconsin 65 bridge pier, causing the rear of the trailer to separate from the cab and explode.
The explosion destroyed the semi and killed the lone occupant.
The driver was not immediately identified.
Traffic cameras showed a semi fully engulfed in flames early Monday at mile marker 10 in the city of Roberts, Wis.
Authorities said traffic — both eastbound and westbound — was being rerouted, exiting and re-entering the freeway at exit 10 onto Wisconsin Highway 65.
Due to the heat, the pavement of I-94 will need to be repaired. The westbound lanes of Wisconsin 65 over I-94 will remain closed until the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can make temporary repairs.
They say both lanes should be open later Monday afternoon, but at a reduced speed.
Weight limits on Highway 65 will also be posted at 40 tons.
(credit: Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
