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A semi-truck driver suffered burns to his body after a crash on the Watterson Expressway that sent plumes of smoke into the air and shut down several lanes Wednesday.

The crash was reported before 7 p.m. on westbound Interstate 264 at Taylorsville Road. TRIMARC cameras showed a lengthy backup on the expressway before vehicles were moved out.

A spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department sent out an update later Wednesday night. Police said witnesses told them that the crash happened when the tractor-trailer driver was apparently cut off by the driver of a car, causing the semi to swerve and strike the concrete barrier.

The crash caused the semi to roll onto its side and burst into flames, officials said.

Photo below of earlier back-up

A viewer sent us video of the scene after the crash, showing the large plumes of smoke.

Avoid the Watterson Exp West/East at the Taylorsville Rd exit. A semi slammed into the median, burst into flames and is on fire. It appears other cars were involved on both sides of the interstate. #louisvilletraffic @wave3news @WHAS11 @WLKY pic.twitter.com/Wvi4Gm4sUp

According to the LMPD, the driver of the semi was taken to UofL Hospital with burns to parts of his body, but he is in stable condition.

Detectives said the driver of the car did not stay at the scene. They did not release additional information about the driver.

Police said the 5th Division is handling the investigation.

The crash shut down all westbound lanes of the Watterson near Taylorsville Road. Many of the cars that were stuck there after the crash were rerouted.

First responders and fire trucks blocked off the Watterson to clean up the scene. The shut down was in place for hours Wednesday until the lanes fully reopened just before 11 p.m.

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