Massive Tractor-Trailer Fire Explodes on New Jersey Highway, Caught on Video

A large tractor-trailer exploded and caught fire on Route 3 in Clifton, New Jersey, forcing the closure of the highway, evacuations of nearby homes, and causing major traffic delays.

The New Jersey State Police are investigating a massive tractor-trailer fire that exploded and caught fire on Route 3 in Clifton, New Jersey, on Monday, February 27, 2023. The incident occurred at approximately 9:07 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Route 3, near the Grove Street exit.

A video captured by a passerby shows a Clifton Fire Department truck parked in front of the tractor-trailer, with a firefighter walking away from the flames, toward the truck. Suddenly, an explosion occurs, catching the firefighter's attention. The firefighter takes a few steps backward before deciding to walk toward the flames.

Massive Tractor-Trailer Fire Explodes on New Jersey Highway, Caught on Video

A second explosion occurs, shooting a flaming projectile into the air. The fire spread quickly, engulfing the tractor-trailer and sending thick black smoke into the sky.

Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, and Route 3 was closed in both directions at Valley Road and Grove Street. The southbound ramp for exit 153 of the Garden State Parkway was also closed.

Massive Tractor-Trailer Fire Explodes on New Jersey Highway, Caught on Video

The Clifton Police Department received a call about the fire and explosion at 9:07 a.m. Monday. The first arriving officer saw additional explosions, resulting in the evacuation of nearby homes.

As of 1:33 p.m., 511nj.org reported that all lanes of NJ 3 in both directions at Grove St in Clifton were closed due to the tractor-trailer fire. Evening rush hour commuters were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Massive Tractor-Trailer Fire Explodes on New Jersey Highway, Caught on Video

Police have not yet released the cause of the crash or whether there are any injuries.

The incident caused major traffic backups in the area, with delays reported for several hours. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Massive Tractor-Trailer Fire Explodes on New Jersey Highway, Caught on Video

The Clifton Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries have been reported at this time.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.