CARTERET, New Jersey (WABC) — A driver was killed after several tractor-trailers crashed on the NJ Turnpike and burst into flames early Thursday morning.
The tractor-trailers collided on the northbound lanes in Carteret around 4 a.m. and became fully engulfed. One of the trucks was carrying lumber.
New Jersey State Police said four semis were traveling northbound. Two were stopped in the right lane and a third was stopped in the center lane of traffic.
A fourth tractor-trailer struck the rear of the trucks stopped in the right and center lanes. After the collision, all three trucks caught fire.
Due to the impact, the trucks in the right lane were pushed into a rear-end collision.
As a result of that crash, police say the driver of the fourth truck died from their injuries.
Major backups started near interchange 12 and traffic was at a complete standstill near the scene for several hours.
By 10 a.m., the truck was still there but cars were allowed to move past the scene on the shoulder.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.