Hwy. 20E reopens after fiery, fatal head-on crash east of Brothers

(Update: Adding photo, highway full reopening)

BROTHERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A fiery head-on crash on U.S. Highway 20E more than 50 miles east of Bend killed at least one person early Wednesday morning and closed the highway for hours, authorities said.

Oregon State Police confirmed at least one fatality resulted from the crash, reported around 4:15 a.m. at milepost 53, east of Brothers.

OSP Senior Trooper William Duran told NewsChannel 21 at the crash scene it involved a pickup truck and passenger car, possibly an SUV. He said both cars were severely damaged and engulfed in flames after the crash.

More information is expected later, OSP said.

ODOT said earlier the "major crash" closed the highway in both directions for "an extensive investigation."

An ODOT update before 9 a.m. said the eastbound lane had reopened; the other lane was open before 11 a.m., ODOT spokesman Peter Murphy said.

Earlier, with no detour available, motorists were advised to avoid traveling in the area until further notice.

Check traffic updates at KTVZ.COM's TripCheck page.