Truck explodes on Route 3 in Clifton closing all lanes and evacuating homes

A tractor-trailer exploded and caught fire Monday morning on Route 3 in Clifton, closing all lanes in both directions.

The incident was initially reported around 9 a.m. with callers on the highway reporting a commercial truck on fire as well as explosions, according to the Clifton Police Department. First responders on the scene observed additional explosions.

The truck was rear ended by a bus, but it is not known what type of bus it was or how many people were on the bus, said Clifton Fire Chief Daniel Collins and Clifton City Manager Dominick Villano in a press conference on Monday. No injuries have been reported at this time. However, the driver of the truck is unaccounted for.

As of noon, the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 3 were closed between Valley Road and Grove Street. It's unknown when the highway will reopen.

The Clifton Police Department is recommending that travelers avoid the area.

There has been no confirmation regarding the cause of the explosion.

Nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution.

Residents in the area of routes 3 and 46 may be experiencing discolored water due to the truck fire, according to a post on Facebook from the Passaic Valley Water Commission.

"Anytime a hydrant is used, the sudden rush of water through the pipeline will stir up sediment, which can cause discolored water or low pressure," the post said.

Multiple agencies are investigating this incident including the state police.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Truck explodes on Route 3 in Clifton closing all lanes and evacuating homes