By: Jeff Sommes
Newark firefighters responded to two separate vehicle fires along the northbound New Jersey Turnpike early Monday morning, prompting requests for additional fire crews.
The first fire was reported at approximately 1:14 a.m. on October 19, along the Eastern Spur near milepost 106.5, approaching Interchange 15E.
New Jersey State Police were reportedly at the scene of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on the right shoulder just before the exit ramp.
As Newark firefighters responded to that emergency, another burning vehicle was discovered near milepost 104.8, north of Interchange 14, in an emergency vehicle turnaround.
By approximately 1:22 a.m., Newark firefighters requested a third engine company as crews worked to address both vehicle fires.
Authorities have not reported whether anyone was injured or what caused the vehicles to catch fire.
The circumstances surrounding both incidents remain unclear.