PUEBLO — Alfred Claunch, 69, La Jara, was transported to Pueblo with injuries after the semitrailer of hay he was driving crashed and caught fire early Friday morning, Sept. 22, on Interstate 25 about 20 miles south of Pueblo.

According to the Pueblo Chieftain report, tire failure caused the driver to lose control and his semitrailer carrying about 30 tons of baled hay struck a guardrail, rolled on its side and erupted in flames.

A witness pulled Claunch from the vehicle, and he was transported to Pueblo for treatment.

The accident closed down the interstate for about 12 hours. Rye and Beulah Fire Departments responded in addition to Colorado State Patrol and the Pueblo County Road & Bridge.