Michael Gavin Johnstone Jr., 42, killed and one injured in wrong-way collision between car and tractor trailer on 459 Northbound in Hoover, Alabama

The 18 wheeler was traveling northbound when it struck a wrong way driver head on. Hoover Police said the wrong way vehicle was likely a Kia SUV. The SUV driver was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene. He is believed to be the only occupant of the vehicle. His name will be released upon notification of next of kin. The driver of the 18 wheeler escaped from the cab of the truck before it caught fire. He was taken to UAB Medical West in Hoover for treatment of his non-life threatening injuries.

Hoover police said the 18-wheeler was traveling northbound on I-459, when it hit an SUV head-on. The victim in a deadly crash in Hoover on Wednesday morning has been identified. The 18-wheeler was not carrying any hazardous materials, but the fuel tank rupture has caused diesel fuel to be spilled onto the lanes of traffic. The Hoover Fire Department, an ALDOT crew and Pro-Tow wrecker service continue to worked for hours to clean up the debris and diesel fuel in order to safely reopen the interstate. All lanes of I-459 North near the Galleria were closed following the deadly accident, but have since reopened.

Both vehicles were completely destroyed by fire. According to Rusty Lowe with the Hoover Fire Department, the fire was difficult to extinguish because the location was not near a water source.