New Jersey Sees Chain of Fiery Semi-Truck Crashes

Highways in New Jersey have been particularly dangerous over the past month, largely due to a string of fiery semi-truck crashes. Some of these truck accidents have been fatal, and others have caused considerable injuries. The threat of explosions and fires is an integral part of the trucking industry, and it is something that threatens everyone on the road. If you experienced one of these fiery semi-truck accidents firsthand, you may be suffering from serious burns, shrapnel injuries, amputations, and considerable psychological trauma. Victims may wish to explore options for compensation alongside experienced truck accident lawyers in New Jersey.

Fiery Truck Accident on NJ Turnpike Claims One Life

In August of 2025, multiple sources reported that a fiery truck accident on the New Jersey  Turnpike had resulted in one fatality. The accident also injured two victims, and it involved five separate vehicles. Officials in Mercer County say that all five vehicles were heading south down the turnpike when the semi-truck rear-ended a pickup truck. The semi-truck then careened into the side of a sedan.

The initial impact threw the pickup truck into the back of a second semi-truck, causing the pickup to burst into flames. These two impacts were so severe that one of the pickup truck’s wheels came loose before smashing into a van. The pickup truck driver did not survive the crash, although it’s unclear whether the fire or the two impacts caused his fatal injuries. Two occupants in the sedan were also injured by the collision, although officials say these injuries were minor.

The crash is under investigation, and officials did not immediately reveal whether any of the involved drivers were facing criminal charges. That said, a driver who rear-ends a vehicle is usually at fault. Going by the report, it seems clear that this string of multiple collisions was triggered by the semi-truck rear-ending the pickup truck. Perhaps the trucker did not leave enough following room. Maybe the trucker was distracted, and they slammed on the brakes too late to avoid the collision.

Fiery Truck Accidents Have Become Common Occurrences in New Jersey

While fiery truck accidents might seem like rare occurrences, this is far from the truth in New Jersey. A few weeks after the aforementioned incident, a second fiery truck accident occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike. This time, a semi-truck crashed into a construction barrier before veering back into the road and striking a Volvo. The Volvo then careened into a second vehicle, causing this second vehicle to strike a different construction barrier on the other side of the road.

Finally, an ice cream truck smashed into the semi-truck during the collision – and both vehicles burst into flames. Miraculously, no one was injured in this crash. However, it is safe to say that this incident could have been much worse, and it shows how common fiery truck accidents have become in New Jersey, particularly on the turnpike.

Dump Truck Catches Fire After Workers Accidentally Sever Gas Line

Also in August, a dump truck caught fire after construction workers in Marlton accidentally severed a gas line while excavating a property. After they ruptured the gas line, a fiery explosion occurred – and a nearby dump truck was engulfed in flames. Neighbors reported hearing the explosion, and they were immediately evacuated from the area by first responders. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Fiery Crashes Can Occur Even if Semi-Trucks are Not Involved

While fiery crashes might be more likely when semi-trucks are involved, these incidents can occur during crashes between normal passenger vehicles as well. In August, a driver was rescued by good Samaritans after a single-vehicle crash in Cape May County. By the time first responders arrived, the vehicle was already burnt to a crisp.

Another fiery crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway in August, and it caused two non-life-threatening injuries to drivers.

Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Help Me Get Compensation After a Fiery Crash?

If you’re recovering from the aftermath of a major truck fire or explosion, you might want to speak with a lawyer about possible compensation. From disfiguring burns and head injuries to PTSD and loss of enjoyment of life, a fiery truck accident in New Jersey may cause many life changes. You have every right to explore your legal options after an incident like this, and you may be able to hold negligent trucking companies accountable for what you have experienced. Consider continuing this conversation alongside Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., today.