The driver of a semi tractor-trailer is dead, and while another driver was injured, during a fiery crash on Interstate 80 early Monday afternoon, near the Highway 6 interchange, northeast of Council Bluffs. The Iowa State Patrol says 51-year old Daniel L. Owens, of Omaha, died in the crash that happened at around 12:45-p.m.

Twittter image from ISP Trooper Ryan Devault

Owens was operating a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia semi westbound on I-80, when he struck a 2013 International 7300, driven by 39-year old Daniel W. Huneke, of Neola. Hueneke was stopped in the outside lane with his Iowa DOT vehicle’s emergency warning light activated and arrow board directing traffic to the inside lane, when his truck was struck from behind.

Following the impact, the International came to rest blocking both westbound lanes of I-80, facing southeast. The semi caught fire upon impact, and came to rest partially in the outside lane, across the outside shoulder and into the west ditch. Owens was found lying in the outside lane He died at the scene. Huneke was transported by Treynor Rescue to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.

The crash caused the interstate to be blocked for several hours. An Iowa DOT Highway Helper, Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer, and others assisted at the scene.