Deadly crash involving 3 semis reported on I-65 in NW Indiana

INDIANA - A truck driver died in a fatal crash involving three semis Monday night on Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana.

What we know:

The crash happened around 10 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-65 near State Road 14 in Fair Oaks, according to Indiana State Police. Traffic was slowed for construction in the area when the crash took place.

A tractor was stopped in traffic in the right lane when a semi sped up from behind. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the semi swerved into the median where it struck a cable barrier, according to Indiana State Police.

Another semi that was also speeding was unable to stop and crashed into the tractor, causing both vehicles to catch fire. The driver of the semi was trapped inside the vehicle and died at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released.

The driver of the tractor was able to escape before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. All southbound lanes were closed for the investigation.

The fire damaged the roadway surface and will need to be replaced before reopening, police said.

There is currently no timeline for when the interstate will reopen, police said. 

What you can do:

Drivers are advised to use U.S. 41 or U.S. 231 as alternate routes. Additional details are expected to be released later Tuesday morning.