Clifton, New Jersey Route 3 is closed near Clifton, New Jersey, after a tractor-trailer collided with a sound wall, causing it to explode and flare into flame.
Chopper 2 soared above the site, where fierce flames burned the sidings of surrounding residences and sent black smoke into the air. Some households were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters and other first responders were observed on the roadway and in nearby backyards.
“I walked outside in my backyard, and there was a massive fire—a really enormous fire. “I was so scared, so I took my children and mother-in-law to my brother’s house,” resident Jignasha Rana explained.
“When I opened the door, I heard one explosion followed by another. TJ Cherry, a neighbor, stated, “They told me to just get out because a truck had run into the wall.” “I grabbed the dog and hauled myself out; he was already out. And that was all.
Clifton Police reported there were some injuries, but no other information was available. The driver’s situation remains uncertain, according to police.
The front portion of the vehicle seemed to be entirely damaged, with four enormous barrels visible on the road.
A Rt. 3 collision creates significant traffic delays.
The incident occurred at 9 a.m. Monday in the eastbound lanes of Route 3 near the Valley Road exit.
Eastbound traffic was diverted to Route 46, while westbound traffic was diverted to Grove Street.
Drivers could expect some residual delays on the Garden State Parkway.
At this moment, it is unclear what caused the vehicle to explode or what it was transporting. Investigators are investigating whether it was an attempt to avert another crash.
Follow CBS New York for the most recent information on this developing story.
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