Tanker Truck Explosion Shuts Down South Jersey Highway Ramps
A tanker truck hauling 89,000 gallons of fuel overturned and exploded on a South Jersey highway ramp late Monday morning, sending flames and dark smoke into the air.
The fires broke out shortly after 11 a.m. when the truck overturned on the Route 90 on-ramp to Route 130 in Pennsauken. Homes around the interchange along Wyndham Rd. from Greenbrier to Corbett roads are being evacuated according to the township's Facebook page.
Health officials tell NBC10 that the fumes and smoke from the fire are dangerous and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat as well as difficulty breathing and chronic health issues.
The smoke could be seen 5 miles away in downtown Philadelphia. Firefighters began dousing the truck n with foam around noon, and it appeared to be out 10 minutes later, but it then reignited. Firefighters had it mostly under control again by 12:20 p.m.
Authorities say the driver - who apparently was alone in the truck - was able to get out of the vehicle. He and a firefighter were both admitted to a hospital with undisclosed injuries. Officials said both were in stable condition.
The Delaware River Port Authority is leading the investigation into the incident.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report
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