Lanes reopen after fatal crash shuts down I-275

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A fatal crash shut down a portion of I-275 in both the southbound and northbound lanes overnight.

The Florida Highway Patrol says it happened just before midnight at mile marker 56, between the I-75/I-275 apex and Bearss Avenue, when a 1987 Chevy van just stopped for an unknown reason without its lights on in the center lane.

A semi truck traveling in the same lane didn't see the van, and ended up crashing into it, causing it to burst into flames on impact.

The driver, who has not yet been identified, did not survive.

The semi truck came to a stop on the other side of the highway in the northbound lanes. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Harry Hobbs, was not injured.

Crews worked to clear the scene for several hours- hauling away the vehicles and even using kitty litter to soak up spilled oil- until they were finally able to reopen the roadway around 7 a.m.

FOX 13 will continue with updates as they become available.