Crews Work Through Afternoon To Clear Fire Damage On Turnpike

Crews worked throughout Tuesday morning and afternoon to clear the remains of a tractor-trailer that burst into flames at the Pennsylvania Turnpike toll plaza in Bristol Township.

The cab portion of the truck impacted a barrier at the closed westbound toll plaza around 9:10 a.m. The impact caused the truck’s saddle tanks to rupture and catch fire, causing a plume of black smoke and flames that could be seen from Levittown, according to Edgely Fire Company Chief Carl Pierce.

Several residents who live near the Turnpike said they heard several loud explosions following the crash.

The driver of the truck was able to escape without injuries, Pierce said. Turnpike officials the toll booths were empty as they were in the process of being taken down.

The truck was carrying large electrical transformers that had to be attached to a tow truck from Rob’s Towing on Veterans Highway (Route 413) to be removed from the scene.

Workers from the Turnpike cleaned up following the fire as Pennsylvania State Police directed traffic around the area.

Officials said the incident caused a large westbound backup on the Turnpike that crossed the Delaware River bridge and spanned into New Jersey.