A tractor-trailer exploded in a fiery mess along Route 3, killing its driver and closing the New Jersey highway while an extensive cleanup effort got underway.
The fire occurred just after 9 a.m. Monday on Route 3 eastbound between Valley Road and Grove Street. When police officers responded to the scene, they witnessed additional explosions.
At least three nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution, according Clifton emergency management officials.
The commercial truck was hit by a bus and slammed into the retaining wall and exploded, according to the fire department on the scene. The truck appeared to cause significant damage to the sound wall on the side of the highway and ended up with debris to the back of a house on Normandy Road.
County prosecutors reported that a 55-year-old man from Linden who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash had died. They added that the cause of the crash had not yet been determined.
Chopper 4 captures video of the aftermath of a tractor-trailer truck explosion along Route 3 in Clifton, New Jersey.
Route 3 is currently closed in both directions through Clifton and is expected to be closed for a period of time, officials said. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Officials responded by the afternoon to assess environmental impacts. The NJDEP confirmed some fuel “and other liquids” had reached a nearby storm drain, but said there were no concerns about any possible air contaminants.
There’s been no official word yet on what was in the tractor-trailer.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.