On August 4, 2015 at 10:22 AM the Linden Fire Department received a call to respond to the New Jersey Turnpike, south bound, for a truck fire with possible entrapment. Upon arrival fire crews found an overturned dump truck under the S. Wood Avenue Bridge, wedged between 2 bridge abutments fully engulfed in flame. Crews began their attack to extinguish the fire but were quickly pushed back when the fire spread to the high voltage power lines running under the bridge causing them to explode and creating an electrical hazard. Hose line monitors were then set up in an attempt to extinguish the truck fire and cool down the bridge. These second efforts were successful in extinguishing the fire and preventing any further damage to the bridge. After awaiting PSE&G’s ok that all power lines were shut down, ensuring that there was no electrical hazard, the towing company was able to pull the truck out from between the abutment allowing Engine crew’s access to assist in the recovery of the victim. The fire caused The New Jersey Turnpike to be completely shut down for hours until the bridges could be inspected and the burned power lines could be removed from under the bridge. At this time the name of the victim has not been released.
Photo by Mathew Pribish, Linden Fire Department.
