EDISON, New Jersey: A massive fuel tanker fire shut down portions of Interstate 287 in Edison on Saturday after a tanker carrying more than 8,000 gallons of fuel erupted into flames, injuring four people and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Authorities said the intense blaze broke out along Route 287 near Exits 1 and 2, sending towering flames and thick black smoke high into the sky. Dramatic videos shared from the scene showed the tanker completely engulfed as firefighters battled the dangerous inferno under difficult conditions.
According to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, more than 150 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to contain the fire and secure the area. Mutual aid departments from neighboring communities also joined the operation, assisting with both fire suppression efforts and traffic management.
Emergency officials confirmed that four people suffered injuries in the incident, though the severity of those injuries has not yet been publicly disclosed. Officials have not yet released information about what caused the tanker to ignite.
The Mayor’s Office stated that Mayor Joshi remained in close communication with Mikie Sherrill, her staff, and the state’s Office of Emergency Management as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Due to the hazardous conditions, Route 287 was shut down in both directions while additional closures impacted Route 27 between Vineyard Road and Bridge Street. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use Route 1 as an alternate route.
Governor Sherrill thanked first responders for working for hours in dangerous conditions to protect the public and contain the situation safely.
Motorists throughout the region faced major delays as emergency crews continued cleanup operations and monitored the area for lingering hazards connected to the tanker fire.