Trending Topics

Fatal tractor-trailer fire, explosion shuts down N.J. highway

Video of the fiery Clifton crash shows a fireball spreading across Rout 3 in Clifton

By Anthony G. Attrino
nj.com

CLIFTON, N.J. — A truck caught fire and erupted into a fireball Monday morning on Route 3 in Passaic County forcing lane closures and major traffic delays, authorities said.

The incident was reported shortly after 9 a.m. near the Grove Street exit in Clifton, according to 511nj.org. Clifton police said they received reports of “multiple explosions” at the scene.

All Route 3 traffic lanes in Clifton were closed as a result of the fire, according to the traffic website.

Eastbound traffic was being diverted onto Route 46, according to ABC -7, which reported some homes in the area have been evacuated.

Police said the east side of the highway could be closed for several more hours, while the westbound lanes could be opened sooner.


In this video, Gordon Graham discusses how to manage a highway traffic collision.


Video posted to social media showed flames and smoke shooting up above traffic, appearing to be visible for several miles.

ABC -7 reported a bus collided with the truck, sending the truck through a retaining wall. The truck was carrying flammable materials and the driver remained unaccounted for. There was no word early Monday afternoon on fatalities or injuries.

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit nj.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
University of Minnesota researchers flew autonomous, student-built drones to sample and analyze smoke plumes to help firefighters predict spread, improve tactics and manage prescribed burns
Army Rifleman James R. Bennett, wounded in France and Germany during World War II, later served Oak Lawn as a volunteer firefighter and part-time police officer
Fresh off reinstatement, Fire Chief Jamie Jent proposed adding four full-time firefighters to improve response times and keep pace with a 56% rise in calls
Tazewell County leaders, with backing from local fire chiefs, are proposing a part-time, paid department to strengthen mutual aid, improve training and modernize fire protection