Driver identified in deadly semi-truck crash along I-10 near Anthony that spilled white powder

UPDATE: Texas state troopers on Thursday identified the truck driver killed in the prior day's crash along I-10 near Anthony as 67-year-old Earnest Ray Pyles of Christiansburg, Virginia.

Investigators said the semi-trailer was "loaded with a non-hazardous chemical substance, contained within bags... (that) spilled from the containers onto the roadway." They did not, however, specifically identify that white powdery substance.

ORIGINAL REPORT: ANTHONY, Texas -- A deadly crash led to the shutdown of Interstate 10 at Anthony in both directions on Wednesday afternoon and into the night.

The crash involving a semi-truck happened along I-10 westbound near the Texas-New Mexico state line about 2:30 p.m. and authorities indicated the truck's driver was killed.

Transportation officials said the highway finally reopened eastbound by 10 p.m., while westbound lanes were to have reopened about 11 p.m.

The truck was towing a semi-trailer when it "entered the center median striking the overpass columns," said Texas Dept. of Public Safety Sgt. Marc Couch. Why the driver veered into the median was under investigation.

For hours, all westbound traffic was diverted at Exit 2 to a service road, while all eastbound traffic was detoured off at Exit 0 and rerouted onto NM 404.

The truck was carrying a powder that spilled across the roadway, but troopers said the substance wasn't hazardous - although it did pose a challenge for investigators and cleanup crews.

For the latest traffic conditions, visit kvia.com/traffic.