New Jersey State Police offcials have launched an investigation into a crash that occurred on an interstate in Newark.
According to preliminary reports, just before 3:05 a.m., emergency response rushed to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 near the Garden State Parkway in Newark after receiving reports of a crash with possible trapped occupants inside a car.
Upon arrival, police and firefighters found a BMW had burst into flames after striking the rear of a tractor-trailer in the right lane of the highway. Police say the fire was extinguished swiftly.
As of 4:17 a.m., at least one person was pronounced dead at the scene.
State transportation officials released the following about traffic conditions around the collision:
> "As of 3:58 am, there's a crash investigation and with a tractor-trailer/vehicle fire on I-78 local lanes eastbound near exit 52 - Garden State Parkway in Union Twp. All lanes are closed and detoured".
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
IMAGE CREDIT: ABC-TV NYC