More Details Emerge About Fiery NJ Turnpike Crash: No Criminal Charges For Alleged Mattress Dropper

Authorities announced on Thursday that no criminal charges have been filed against a Linden man who allegedly lost two mattresses and boxsprings out the back of his van prior to a fiery, fatal crash on the New Jersey Turnpike on Wednesday.

According to the New Jersey State Police, the crash took place around 3:16 p.m., as a tanker truck operated by JSK Transport of Warren was heading northbound in the center lane of the Turnpike in the area of milepost 109.5 in Kearny.

The truck was carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline from a Linden refinery at the time, police stated.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, the [truck] driver encountered slowing traffic due to several mattresses and boxsprings in the roadway,” the NJ State Police stated. “The driver was unable to maintain directional control of the vehicle while attempting to avoid slowing traffic. As a result, the truck traveled across the right lane and right shoulder, struck the right guardrail and overturned before becoming engulfed in flames.”

The driver was trapped in the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene, police stated.

• WATCH: Tractor Trailer Fire Blazes On N.J. Turnpike

The raging fire prompted the closure of the northbound Western Spur near Exit 15W, and blocked all lanes at the Turnpike’s interchange with I-280 West, NJ511 stated.

Authorities stated on Thursday that they believe the deceased truck driver to be a Newark man, but are withholding his identity until confirmation can be made.

Police said that the driver of the van that allegedly dropped the mattresses was a 26-year-old man from Linden.

The incident is still under investigation, police said.