JASPER COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana State Police reports troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on southbound lanes of I-65 at mile-marker 218 around 10 p.m. Monday.

Police say the preliminary investigation shows traffic had slowed on I-65 for construction in the area.

The report states a red semi-truck without a trailer was stopped in traffic in the right lane when a blue semi-truck with trailer approached from behind at a high speed.

Police say to avoid the red semi, the driver of the blue one took evasive action by swerving into the median where it struck a cable barrier.

Behind the blue truck was another semi-truck with trailer traveling at a high speed, which was also unable to stop in time.

The third semi then collided with the rear of the red semi, causing both to catch fire.

Police say the driver of the third semi was trapped inside the and died at the scene.

The driver has yet to be identified. The driver of the red semi managed to escape before it was engulfed in flames.

The crash resulted in all southbound lanes of I-65 being blocked, and the interstate had to be shut down for crash investigation and vehicle removal.

During the scene cleanup, officials say the contents of one of the trucks, peat moss, continued to catch fire slowing the cleanup process.

Police say the roadway surface also sustained significant damage and will need to be replaced before the roadway reopens.

As of noon Tuesday, the roadway remains closed with traffic being diverted at S.R. 14 at exit 220.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes, including S.R. 55, US 41, or US 231.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.