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A raging fire erupted after tractor-trailers collided on Interstate 81 in Binghamton. [WNBF News][/caption]

Binghamton police say the man who died in a fiery Interstate 81 crash involving three tractor-trailers was from Cortland County.

Investigators Thursday morning released the name of the truck driver. They say he was 26-year-old Phillip Miller of Homer.

According to detectives, Miller was employed by Venice Enterprises.

The collision involving the tractor-trailers occurred a few minutes before 9 a.m. Wednesday in the southbound lanes of I-81, a short distance from the Town of Kirkwood.

Binghamton fire department officials say the truck Miller was driving was fully engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

Thick, black smoke from the blaze was visible for miles. The fire was knocked down quickly but it continued to smolder for hours.

The northbound lanes of the highway reopened about 90 minutes after the crash. But the southbound lanes were shut down for much of the day. The detour caused significant traffic congestion throughout downtown Binghamton.

Police say the investigation is continuing. People with information about the crash may contact the Detective Bureau at 607.772.7080.

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