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Wrong-Way Driver Dies In Fiery Crash Near Winona

LA MOILLE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fiery crash that claimed the life of one man near Winona.

The Winona Daily News reports the crash happened about 12:30 p.m. Friday, when a wrong-way driver collided with a semi-trailer on Highway 61, about 12 miles south of Winona.

The semi caught fire and burned to its frame. The highway was closed for nearly 20 miles in both directions as fire and rescue crews fought the fire for over an hour. Thick black smoke could be seen from miles away.

The name of the victim was not immediately released.

The semi driver got out of the truck before it caught fire. Officials say he appeared to have no injuries but was transported to a Rochester hospital.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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