Truck explodes on Route 3 in Clifton, killing driver, closing all lanes, evacuating homes

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

According to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, the commercial truck was traveling west on Route 3 in Clifton when it crashed into a barrier and caught fire.

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 body of the driver, a 55-year-old male from Linden, was discovered after the fire was brought under control.

As of 3:30 p.m., the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 3 were still closed between Valley Road and Grove Street. According to the Clifton Police Department, the highway is likely to remain closed for several more hours.

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

The cause of the crash has not been determined at this time, according to the Prosecutor's Office. However, during a press conference on Monday, Clifton Fire Chief Daniel Collins and City Manager Dominick Villano said that the truck was rear ended by a bus. It is not known what type of bus it was or how many people were on the bus.

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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.

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office is asking that anybody with additional information about this incident contacts them at 1-877-370-PCPO or through email at tips@passaiccountynj.org.

Multiple agencies are investigating this incident including the state police.

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