Fiery semi-truck crash kills driver, closes I-10 for hours between Las Cruces and Deming

DEMING, New Mexico -- A fiery semi-truck crash killed one driver and forced the closure of Interstate 10 between Las Cruces and Deming for much of the day Wednesday.

Authorities said two semis collided and one of the rigs exploded into flames around 10 a.m.; one of the truckers died in the wreck, but state police did not immediately release his identity.

There was also no word on what caused the deadly crash, which occurred roughly 25 miles west of Las Cruces.

New Mexico Department of Transportation officials said they were finally able to reopen the interstate in both directions as of 4:45 p.m.

Following the deadly wreck, I-10 had been shut down from mile post 116 (at NM 549) to milepost 85 (Deming). Traffic was backed up for miles as police detoured motorists onto NM 549 for hours.