Burning Car-Carrier on NJ Turnpike Disrupts Traffic

A fire involving a car-carrying tractor-trailer backed up traffic for miles along the New Jersey Turnpike in Mercer County today (June 8), complicating the afternoon commute for many area drivers.

The blaze – along the southbound side of the Turnpike near milepost 58.0 in Hamilton Township, south of both Exit 7A and the Richard Stockton Service Area – was reported at 3:10 p.m.

Robbinsville Township Fire Department Capt. Dennis Symons Jr., who directed firefighting efforts at the scene, said investigators believe the blaze started in the trailer’s brakes. Once the driver became aware of the blaze, he pulled over into the right shoulder of the highway and flames quickly spread to four of the vehicles being carried aboard the car-carrier.

The blaze was fought by firefighters from Robbinsville Fire Department , Groveville Fire Co. of Hamilton Township, Hope Fire Co. of Allentown, Derby Fire Co. of Bordentown Township, Union-Crosswicks Fire Co. of Chesterfield Township, and East Windsor Township Fire Co. #1.

The large response was needed because water had to be trucked onto the Turnpike, Symons said.

All southbound lanes were closed for 10 to 15 minutes to allow firefighters to safely position their hoses and “knock down” the bulk of the fire, and then one lane of southbound traffic was allowed to pass by the fire scene, Symons said.

The result, he said, was a significant backup of traffic that reportedly extended beyond Exit 8 (Hightstown).

There were no injuries reported.     

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