Interstate 35 has reopened in both directions after a fatal four-vehicle crash in Lakeville that included a semi hauling a load of bees.

Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said one person was killed when two passenger cars were hit by two semis, including the one that was filled with crates of bees. A second person was airlifted to a hospital.

A portion of northbound I-35 was closed at Highway 70 in Lakeville as authorities tried to arrange for someone to contain the bees. Firefighters were using hoses to keep them at bay, Roeske said.

Roeske says all lanes reopened by a little after 7 p.m. Monday. A closed southbound lane reopened earlier in the afternoon.

Fortunately, he said, most of the bee crates remained intact. But the bees were making it difficult for rescue workers to do their job.

"I can't imagine what would have happened if all these things were loose," Roeske said, adding that he believes someone in a bee suit will have to clean up the mess before authorities can clear up the crash scene.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)