A busy highway in New Jersey was shut down Monday after a tractor-trailer hit an overpass and crushed another car, killing a 39-year-old man, authorities and witnesses say.
The westbound lanes of Route 3 in Rutherford were closed for several hours after the tractor-trailer's load became detached under the overpass at Ridge Road and hit the other car shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to Total Traffic.
There was an estimated 3-mile backup in the westbound lanes at 4 p.m., causing major problems for the evening rush.
The eastbound lanes of Route 3 did remain open. NJ Transit and Port Authority both warned customers to expect delays as the evening rush got underway.
Chopper 4 showed the tractor-trailer's load wedged under the overpass; part of a smaller car appeared crushed beneath it. The victim was identified as James Hart III, of Bronxville.
The company hauling the container has had violations in the past, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Last November, Parkway Iron and Metal received 5 violations, including one for failing to secure a load, but there were no serious crashes.
It remains unclear why the driver thought the tractor-trailer could fit underneath the overpass. No charges have been filed.
