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

A raging tractor trailer fire on the New Jersey Turnpike on Wednesday afternoon prompted the closure of the northbound Western Spur near Exit 15W in Kearny.

Sgt. Jeff Flynn of the NJ State Police told Patch that the fire was caused when a Honda CRV struck a tanker truck and spilled fuel on the roadway.

After being struck, the truck rolled over onto the right hand shoulder of the road, where it became fully engulfed in flames, Flynn said.

Fire crews are working to get the flames under control, but the entire northbound western spur was shut down, Flynn said.

The driver of the Honda sustained minor injuries, and the driver of the truck is “unaccounted for,” Flynn told Patch.

Flynn couldn’t confirm whether a fatality took place, but said that a police investigation is underway.

The accident blocked all lanes at the Turnpike’s interchange with I-280 West, NJ511 stated.

In a cell phone video shared by a commuter, thick black smoke could be seen billowing up from the crash site, while traffic stands unmoving on the opposite side of the highway. [See below video]

Video courtesy of OmerFrkKaradavut