A deadly crash involving a gas tanker carrying more than 8,000 gallons of fuel sparked a massive fire on Interstate 287 in New Jersey, forcing highway closures and causing widespread traffic disruptions.
WEBDESK – NJNEWSLINE
A driver was killed and another person seriously injured after a fiery collision involving a fuel tanker truck shut down large sections of Interstate 287 in New Jersey on Sunday morning, authorities said.
The crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. between exits 1 and 2 in Middlesex County when a Jeep SUV reportedly slammed into the rear of a gas tanker carrying more than 8,000 gallons of fuel, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Both vehicles erupted into flames following the impact, producing towering black smoke visible across nearby communities.
Police said the Jeep driver died at the scene, while a passenger suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Authorities did not immediately release the identity of the deceased driver pending family notification.
The inferno forced officials to close both directions of Interstate 287 for several hours as firefighters and hazardous materials teams battled the blaze and cleaned up the scene.
Southbound lanes reopened around 11:15 a.m., but northbound lanes remained closed south of Exit 2A well into the day, causing major traffic congestion across the region.
Jonathan M. Busch said Route 27 between Vineyard Road and Bridge Street was also shut down as authorities diverted traffic away from the area.
Meanwhile, Sam Joshi shared dramatic footage on Instagram showing the tanker completely engulfed in flames.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she was closely monitoring the situation and urged residents to follow instructions from emergency officials.
“Please follow guidance from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and local officials, and allow first responders the space they need to do their work safely,” the governor said in a statement.
Residents living near the crash described thick smoke and a strong chemical odor spreading through surrounding neighborhoods.
Local photographer Michael Dolan said he stepped outside early Sunday morning to find “the entire sky” darkened by smoke.
“You could smell something chemical burning, and it was hazy even at street level,” Dolan told local media. “I could taste oil in my house.”
The road closures also affected events in nearby New Brunswick, briefly delaying Rutgers University’s graduation ceremonies due to heavy traffic.
Authorities said the crash remains under investigation.
