Officials identify driver killed in Route 3 truck crash and explosion in Clifton

Authorities have released the identity of a truck driver killed in an explosive crash involving a bus on Route 3 in Clifton Monday morning.

Luis Santiago, 55, of Linden, died when the tractor-trailer he was driving clipped an NJ Transit bus and crashed into a barrier on Route 3 east around 11 a.m. Monday, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. The impact caused Santiago's truck to catch fire, setting off a massive explosion.

Santiago's body was discovered after the fire was brought under control by the Clifton Fire Department. None of the 29 passengers on the bus reported any injuries, the prosecutor's office said.

The crash caused a complete shutdown of Route 3 as the investigation and cleanup efforts continued through Monday night. All lanes and ramps reopened as of Tuesday morning.

Three nearby homes sustained exterior damage from the heat of the fire, Clifton Fire Chief Daniel Collins said. All residents were back in their homes by Monday afternoon after officials determined the houses were safe to occupy.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Officials identify driver killed in Route 3 truck crash and explosion in Clifton