A driver is dead after a fiery truck crash on Highway 1 overnight in Surrey, B.C.

The driver lost control of a large commercial truck and crashed in the median near the 176 Street overpass just after 3 a.m. PT Tuesday, according to Surrey RCMP.

The truck burst into flames, sending a thick cloud of smoke into the air. The cloud could be seen as far as the 200 Street exit into Langley.

RCMP shut down westbound traffic on Highway 1 as investigators gathered evidence. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

The highway was closed westbound at Exit 53 as RCMP investigated the crash, and drivers were asked to avoid the area as much as possible and exit Highway 1 at 200 Street.

Two lanes were re-opened around 9 a.m., but the two left-hand lanes remain closed.

An RCMP statement said traffic will be affected for an "undetermined" time.