By: Richard L. Smith
A fiery crash involving a fuel tanker truck carrying more than 8,000 gallons of fuel shut down a large stretch of Interstate 287 in Metuchen on Sunday, leaving one person dead and three others injured, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Authorities said the collision occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on the northbound side of I-287 near Exits 1 and 2, causing major traffic disruptions on both the northbound and southbound lanes, as well as nearby Routes 27 and 1.
Officials said a Jeep traveling northbound struck the rear of a tanker truck transporting more than 8,000 gallons of fuel.
The impact caused both vehicles to become fully engulfed in flames.
Dramatic plumes of thick black smoke and large orange flames could be seen rising from the highway as emergency crews rushed to contain the blaze.
State Police said the driver of the Jeep suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
The driver of the tanker truck, a passenger inside the Jeep, and a firefighter sustained injuries.
The identity of the deceased victim has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
The crash remains under active investigation.