The Tennessee Highway Patrol says a tractor-trailer driver was killed in a fiery crash  that closed a portion of I-40 in Wilson County at the Mt. Juliet Road Exit this morning. The accident took place in the westbound lanes of I-40 under the overpass where construction is ongoing.

Initial reports indicate the motorist lost control of the semi, struck a bridge support column and burst into flames. The driver was found deceased inside the cab of the vehicle. The identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Two westbound lanes (out of three) of I-40 and one lane of Mt. Juliet Road are currently closed to traffic. It is not known when the roadways will fully reopen.

Officials say damage to the support column is extensive. Repairs to the column are required and could take up to three weeks or potentially longer, depending if crews find any additional problems.