(Atlantic, IA) – The driver of a semi tractor-trailer died in a crash this (Wednesday) morning on Interstate 80, in Cass County. The Iowa State Patrol says the semi, driven by 69-year-old Robert M. Johnson, Jr., of Crescent, was traveling westbound on I-80 at around 5:25-a.m., when for reasons unknown, the vehicle entered the north ditch and struck a tree.

The Patrol says Johnson was ejected from the cab of the truck and died at the scene. The accident happened about a mile east of the Olive Street exit (620th St.) to Atlantic (mile marker 58).