Route 3 closed in Clifton, New Jersey after tractor trailer explodes and bursts into flames. Nearby homes evacuated.
CLIFTON, N.J. -- Route 3 is closed in Clifton, New Jersey after a tractor-trailer crashed into a sound wall, causing it to explode and burst into flames.
Chopper 2 flew over the scene, where the intense flames melted the siding off nearby homes and shot black smoke into the air. Some homes had to be evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters and other first responders could be seen on the highway and in neighboring backyards.
"I went outside in my backyard, and there was a big fire - big, big, big fire. I was so scared, so I took my kids and my mother-in-law and brought them to my brother's house," resident Jignasha Rana said.
"I heard an explosion, then another explosion when I came through the door. They told me to just get out, they told me a truck ran into the wall," said neighbor TJ Cherry. "I grabbed the dog and got myself out, he was out already. And that was it."
Clifton Police said there were some injuries, though no further details have been provided. Police said the status of the driver is unclear.
The front half of the truck appeared to be completely destroyed, and four large barrels could be seen on the roadway.
Rt. 3 accident causes major traffic delays
The crash happened around 9 a.m. Monday in the eastbound lanes of Route 3 approaching the Valley Road exit.
Eastbound traffic was being diverted to Route 46, and westbound traffic was being diverted at Grove Street.
Drivers should also expect residual delays on the Garden State Parkway.
At this point, it's unclear what caused the truck to explode or what it was carrying. Investigators are looking into whether it may have been trying to avoid another crash.
Stick with CBS New York for the latest updates on this developing story.
