The driver of a tractor-trailer suffered a laceration to the arm when the truck became engulfed in flames on the New Jersey Turnpike Tuesday afternoon, causing traffic delays, authorities said.
Officials said the cab struck a guard rail and the trailer, which was carrying mixed merchandise, became detached and ended up on a grass median at around 1:30 p.m on the outer roadway of the highway's southbound lanes near Exit 10.
The cause of the accident may have been a blownout tire, police said. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and his injuries are not considered life threatening. No other injuries were reported.
Video from Instagram user @bfarley showed thick black smoke billowing into the air. Chopper 4 captured video of the charred carcass of the tractor-trailer on the highway.
The vehicle was virtually eviscerated.
All southbound lanes on the turnpike have since been reopened.
