NORTH LITTLE ROCK (KATV) - Wreckers have begun clearing wreckage off of I-40 after tanker truck overturned Thursday afternoon, completely shutting down westbound traffic and backing up cars all the way to Highway 107.

Sgt. Brian Dedrick told Channel 7 News the crash started a fire on the interstate under the Crystal Hill overpass.

The truck driver was medflighted to an area hospital. He later died from his injuries, according to State Police.

The fire reached high enough that part of the overpass caught on fire as well. The bridge at Young Road was shut down because of damage to the bridge.

North Little Rock firefighters said the damage to the Young Road bridge was so extensive, they had to call in inspectors to make sure it wouldn't collapse. Highway Department officials said the overpass would not collapse but it would stay closed.

As of 3:00, eastbound traffic was open but westbound was still shut down. Officials with the Highway Department said that westbound traffic should reopen in the "overnight hours." Meanwhile, drivers can take I-630 to I-30 and I-40 to get around the accident or take Highway 107 as a back way to Conway.