By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters from Harrison and Kearny are battling a truck fire along Interstate 280 in Hudson County Tuesday morning, prompting authorities to shut down westbound traffic.
According to preliminary reports, firefighters responded to the westbound lanes of I-280 shortly before 10:40 a.m., where they encountered a tractor-trailer engulfed in flames.
Fire officials reported that the trailer was empty, but burning fuel was spreading along the highway, creating additional hazards for responding crews.
At least two fire hoses were placed into operation as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
New Jersey State Police closed the westbound lanes while emergency crews battled the fire. Reports also indicated that the truck had entered the highway median.
Motorists traveling through the Harrison and Kearny area should anticipate significant delays and seek alternate routes.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.