PORTAGE, Wis. (WTAQ) - For the second time this week, there was another huge traffic backup Friday on the Interstate near Portage – this time because of a fatal accident.

The State Patrol said a 32-year-old semi driver from Eau Claire was killed when his truck rear-ended another semi-truck that was slowing down for road construction.

It happened just before midnight in the westbound lanes of I-90-94 about 5 miles west of Portage. The lead driver, a 42-year-old man from Hewitt Minnesota, escaped injury despite the fact that both trucks caught fire. Both westbound lanes were closed for cleanup and investigation.

The State Patrol said traffic was backed up about 6 miles Friday morning. The left lane re-opened about 4:15 a.m., while the right lane was open again about 9 a.m. But officials said a traffic jam still persisted. Earlier this week, construction on the Interstate south of Portage caused a 7 mile back-up.