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I-80 back open after fiery semi crash kills driver in Parleys Canyon

Posted at 6:42 AM, Feb 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-23 20:59:24-05

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah -- One person has died after a fiery semi crash on I-80 in Parleys Canyon, and the resulting road closure led to several drivers getting stranded.

UDOT crews have since reopened all lanes of the interstate after closing the westbound lanes overnight.

The Utah Highway Patrol said the crash at about 10:30 p.m. involved two semi trucks; one was a double tanker full of crude oil.

Troopers said the driver of the semi hauling the crude oil is safe however, the other semi driver died in the fire.

The deceased has been identified as Wendell Lewis, a 67-year-old man from Maricopa, Arizona.

The oil made it difficult for fire crews to put out the blaze.

The Air Force brought in a special crash rescue truck to help.

This type of vehicle is used at airports for emergencies or intense oil fires.

Check back with Fox 13 for the latest updates.