Man Killed In Fiery Route 78 Crash Was From Chatham

The man killed in Saturday’s fiery crash along route 78 was a resident of Chatham Township.

James Pinaire, 24, was driving from the Garden State Parkway Ramp onto Route 78 westbound in an Audi A4 when he was hit by a tanker carrying 9,000 gallons of fuel; both vehicles then crashed into a tractor-trailer, according to nj.com.

The crash, which occurred around 1 p.m., closed down both sides of route 78 in Union until late Saturday night.

The tractor-trailer exploded into flames near Exit 52 on Interstate 78, News 12 reports. Photos and videos taken at the scene show multiple vehicles and a truck engulfed in flames.

Firefighters, some of whom reported from the Port Authority Aircraft Rescue Fire Department, were able to put out the blaze by 3 p.m., according to NJ.com.

Other stories on Patch:

• One Dead After Fiery Multi-Vehicle, Fuel Tanker Crash On Route 78
• Toll Hikes Take Effect: Going To NYC Costs More
• Carbon Monoxide Kills 2, Injures 12 Others In North Jersey Recording Studio
• Nor’easter: Could Be ‘Long Event’ With Heavy Rains, Snow
• Bergen County, N.J. Woman Comes Forward as Alleged Bill Cosby Rape Victim
• Coastal Flooding Expected After Heavy Rains In Jersey Shore