New Jersey

Tractor-Trailer Burns at Pennsylvania Turnpike Tollbooth

A big rig burst into flames at a Pennsylvania Turnpike tollbooth in Bucks County Tuesday morning.

The blaze broke out near the Pennsylvania-bound Delaware River Bridge Interchange (Exit 359) around 9:15 a.m.

Crews could be seen battling the blaze as heavy smoke poured into the air. SkyForce10 hovered over head a short time later to find the charred remains of a truck.

Turnpike officials said the truck hit an attenuator or "shock absorber" positioned in front of the toll plaza. Officials said the impact caused the truck to catch fire, but the driver was uninjured and the truck was carrying electrical supplies but nothing hazardous.

Turnpike officials also said that because the toll plaza was decommissioned in January and scheduled for demolition, no turnpike personnel were inside or in harm's way.

All westbound lanes remained closed for hours.

Motorists looking to get from New Jersey to Pennsylvania are urged to use other Delaware River crossings including the Betsy Ross Bridge, Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and Route 1 Bridge.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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