ARAGONITE, Utah – A semi-truck driver who sustained severe burns was airlifted to a hospital early Wednesday morning after his truck caught fire, officials said.

The driver was pulled over to the side of I-80 at Exit 56 in Tooele County around midnight when the fire started, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

Troopers are on scene of a semi fire on Exit 56 I-80. The driver is being flown by helicopter to the hospital after sustaining life-threatening burns. Cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The driver was the only occupant. pic.twitter.com/MuY5njlUWX

— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) July 10, 2019

The fire reportedly started in the engine while the driver was sleeping. The flames spread quickly due to the plastic pallets the truck was hauling.

“It was just feeding itself,” said UHP trooper Jared Green. “Everything was burning down on itself. The fire kept growing.”

The driver suffered second- and third-degree burns. Officials said he’s expected to survive.

“It’s just a good thing the driver woke up in time.” Green said. “This could have been a lot a worse had he not woken up.”