Fiery crash on Central Texas interstate claims life of truck driver

State troopers have identified the truck driver who died in a fiery crash early Thursday morning on Interstate 45 south of Centerville in Leon County near Fort Boggy State Park.

Troopers say Ivan Lara, 32, of Arlington was southbound on the highway around 4:20 a.m. when his big rig slammed into the back of another 18-wheeler whose driver was attempting to merge onto the highway near a rest area.

Lara was in his truck when it burst into flames.

He died at the scene of the accident, troopers said.

The driver of the other truck has been identified Demetrius Kennedy, 45, of Fort Worth.

He was not injured.

Troopers say Kennedy tried to use a fire extinguisher to save Lara, but was unsuccessful.

The crash, which closed down the highway for several hours, is under investigation.