Early July 4th fireworks after truck catches fire on I-287 in Bridgewater
BRIDGEWATER - July 4th fireworks came a week early when a tractor trailer caught fire late Sunday night on I-287 causing some of its load of at least two tons of fireworks to explode.
The Green Knoll Fire Department was the first on the scene at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday on southbound I-287 at mile maker 15.4 near the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School and the intersection of Route 22.
The county tanker task force also responded to the scene, along with other departments from Bridgewater.
#njmornings Traffic Alert!
I-287 Southbound just North of Exit 14 (Rt. 22)
Literally a fireworks show this morning.
Fireworks in trailer exploding as it sat…on fire on I-287 South in Bridgewater.
No word on injuries.
Working on video and further details @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/NBdhfLqu5o— Tony Caputo (@TonyCaputo) June 27, 2022
All lanes of the highway were closed as volunteer firefighters extinguished the blaze punctuated by exploding fireworks. The fire was placed under control by 2 a.m. but firefighters stayed on the scene in case there were any flare-ups.
One lane of traffic re-opened for the morning rush hour, but traffic remained slow through the area for the rest of the day.
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But that wasn't the end of the troubles Monday on I-287.
A sinkhole closed the ramp from northbound I-287 to eastbound I-78 in Bedminster, also causing extensive traffic delays and detours.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Truck fire on 287 South in Bridgewater NJ causes fireworks to explode