Tractor Trailer Carrying 63K Pounds Of Detergent Engulfs In Fire

SUMMIT, NJ — A tractor trailer that caught on fire Tuesday night on Interstate-78 East in Summit caused major delays into the Wednesday morning commute.

The fire was reported at 10:14 p.m. on the eastbound side of I-78 at milepost 45.8 in Summit, State Police Lt. Ted Schafer said.

"The tractor trailer was traveling eastbound when it ended up getting a flat tire," Schafer said. "The driver drove on the flat, which is not unusual... until it the tractor trailer stopped on the side of road."

A caller reported seeing visible flames coming out of the trailer.

The Summit Fire Department responded and at that time the tractor trailer was fully engulfed in flames, Schafer said.

The truck was carrying 63,000 pounds of pallets loaded with various laundry products, Schafer said.

"It was a very intense fire to the point where the trailer itself collapsed," Schafer said.

The fire department also requested a backhoe to break down the trailer and pull apart the material to make sure the fire was out completely.

Rick Locke, Summit Battalion Chief reported there was nothing suspicious of the fire.

At around 1:30 a.m., New Jersey Department of Transportation took over and closed the right and enter lanes to allow for clean up.

The road closures continued through the morning commute on Wednesday and caused major delays of 90 minutes.

There were no reported injuries as the driver of the truck was able to get out.

(Image via Patch)

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