Driver killed in truck explosion on Route 3 in Clifton, N.J.

CLIFTON, N.J. -- Route 3 is closed in Clifton, New Jersey after a tractor-trailer crashed into a sound wall, causing an explosion and killing the driver.

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."

The front half of the truck appeared to be completely destroyed, and four large barrels could be seen on the roadway.

Clifton Police said the body of the truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Linden, was discovered after the fire was put out. Police said there were other injuries.

There were no elevated levels on concern in the air, but some "fuel and other liquids" got into a storm drain near the crash site, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said. The impact is still being investigated.

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.