JASPER COUNTY — A truck driver was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 southbound late Monday night, forcing a complete shutdown of the interstate for hours. The collision occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. near the 218-mile marker, about two miles south of the Fair Oaks exit.
According to a preliminary investigation, traffic was slowed due to ongoing construction when a red bobtail tractor-trailer stopped in the right lane. A blue semi-truck attempted to avoid the stopped vehicle by swerving into the median, where it hit a cable barrier. A third semi-truck, following closely behind, was unable to stop and collided with the rear of the red tractor-trailer.
The impact caused both vehicles to erupt in flames. The driver of the third semi-truck was trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released. The driver of the red bobtail tractor-trailer managed to escape before the fire fully engulfed the cab.
The crash and subsequent fire blocked all southbound lanes of I-65. The cleanup process was further complicated when the contents of one truck—peat moss—continued to catch fire. The intense heat from the blaze caused significant damage to the road surface, which will need to be replaced before the interstate can reopen.
As of Tuesday at noon, the southbound lanes of I-65 remained closed, with traffic being diverted at the State Road 14 exit. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes such as State Road 55, US 41, or US 231.
