A truck carrying explosive materials was engulfed in flames on Route 3 in Clifton, New Jersey.
Videos captured by passers-by and onlookers showed the raging inferno.
It began when a bus rear-ended the truck, causing a series of explosions and a massive blaze. Officials have closed the highway in both directions near Valley Road and Grove Street.
The Clifton Fire Department responded to the scene, where firefighters risked their lives attempting to extinguish the fire.
Videos show a firefighter evading a flying flaming tire, which flew by within a few feet from him.
Absolutely wild scene where Route 46 turns into Route 3 in New Jersey.
Great job by Clifton police and fire department to act quick and swiftly getting the cars out of the way@NJTRANSIT [1] @njdotcom [2] @NJGov [3] @NJSP [4] @FoxNews [5] @CNN [6] @cnnbrk [7] @MSNBC [8] @CliftonFDNJ [9] pic.twitter.com/62VnJB6FPR [10]
— gelø (@gelo__25) July 22, 2024 [11]
The accident damaged some nearby houses, with one homeowner recounting that the heat melted their above-ground pool and vinyl siding. “I was so scared, so I took my kids and my mother-in-law and brought them to my mother’s house,” said Jignasha Rana.
First responders were unable to find the driver, who is still missing. Furthermore, what explosive materials the truck was carrying remains unclear.
The Clifton police department has alerted the public to avoid the area. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.