PHOENIX – Winds of up to 70 mph knocked over six semitrucks on Interstate 10 far west of Phoenix on Wednesday night, killing one driver in a rollover and injuring another.

The wreck shut down traffic in both directions of the freeway west of Tonopah around 8 p.m., according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the trucks were pulling box trailers about 10 miles west of Tonopah. Two rolled over in westbound lanes while the rest tipped over in eastbound lanes.

The National Weather Service said Thursday that downburst winds in the area at the time the trucks were on the road were between 50 mph and 70 mph.

The Phoenix weather bureau had issued a significant weather advisory for Maricopa County a few hours before the accident that included the likelihood of wind gusts of more than 40 mph.

Authorities said 69-year-old Ronald Dale Huff of Salem, Oregon, died in the accident.

On I-10 about 10 miles west of Tonopah, all lanes are now open after the earlier semi rollovers. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/eaGErJrgfq

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) September 5, 2019

Eastbound drivers managed to make their way along the shoulder of the road. Westbound drivers were able to use one lane.

The roadway was reopened Thursday by 5 a.m.

No other details were available.

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