1 dead after semi-truck crash that snarled traffic on New Jersey Turnpike

Three semi-trucks erupted in flames after a crash that killed one on the NJ Turnpike during the Thursday morning commute, according to New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.

The trucks collided just after 4 a.m. in Carteret Borough of Middlesex County. An initial investigation showed that four semi-trucks were driving on the turnpike when two stopped in the right lane and another in the center lane. A fourth semi-truck then struck two of the stopped trucks, causing one to rear-end another. Three of the semi-trucks then became "fully engulfed in flames," police said. 

The driver of the fourth semi-truck was fatally injured and died. Their name has not been released. None of the other drivers were hurt, according to police. 

"These are very tragic incidents," Kolluri said.    

Video from Chopper 2 showed lumber on one of the vehicles burning as heavy smoke rose from the crash scene.

The crash snarled traffic as the northbound lanes of the turnpike's inner roadway north of Interchange 12 were shut down all morning. All traffic was being pushed to the outer roadway. Delays were back to Interchange 11.

"I appreciate and understand that people are backed up for miles, including some of my colleagues," Kolluri explained.   

He explained that New Jersey State Police were "working as fast as possible to clear up" the road. All lanes were open before 3 p.m. Thursday. 

 A fatal accident investigation is ongoing, Kolluri said.  Rubbernecking delays were also an issue on the other side of the turnpike, where a second crash happened nearby.