COLBY – A semi driver died in an accident just before 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Kenworth semi driven by Rodney A. Hongsermeier, 52, North Platte, NE., struck the trailer and then the cab of a 2015 International semi driven by Fednor Duclona, 43, Fort Worth, TX., that was westbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Kansas 25.

Both vehicles caught on fire in the middle of the highway.

Hongsermeier was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Baalman’s Funeral Home.

Duclona was not injured.

The accident shut down Interstate 70 from Colby to Goodland on Saturday and was finally opened to westbound traffic at 7:30 on Sunday morning.

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At approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, westbound Interstate 70 was closed from Colby west to Goodland due to an accident, the Kansas Department of Transportation reported.

For up to date road closures and road conditions, please call 511 in Kansas (1-866-511-KDOT (5368) outside the state), or check travel information online at: www.kandrive.org or visit http://511mm.ksdot.org.

Check Hays Post for more on the incident as details become available.