A tanker overturned on the New Jersey Turnpike near East Rutherford and cause a major delay for commuters trying to get home Thursday night.
The resulting fire burned for a full hour before finally being extinguished with special fire equipment.
The truck -- which is believed to have been carrying gasoline -- was coming around a curve from the northbound turnpike heading towards the 16W toll plaza when the driver lost control and flipped over spilling its volitile load, turnpike officials said.
"Realistically you can't ask for a better public service announcement about speed than this, even if it wasn't, this is what could happen so people need to slow it down," New Jersey Turnpike Authority spokesman, Joe Orlando said.
The driver of the truck did get out, but one motorist said he saw one of his boots on fire along with burnmarks on his clothes and belt.
Another motorist put him in his car and rushed him to a Newark hospital where police say he is in serious condition.
The fire spread to surrounding brush before finally being extinguished.
The ramp is expected to be closed into the night.
Traffic on western spur of the highway – particularly headed northbound -- will be delayed into the night
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