Two Tractor-Trailers Catch Fire After Crash on NJ Tpke in Carteret, NJ

Carteret, NJ (June 25, 2026) – Two tractor-trailers collided and caught fire on the early morning of Thursday, June 25, on the northbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike.

New Jersey State Police reported the crash at around 3:30 a.m. near Interchange 12. One of the trucks was carrying lumber when both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.

The extent of the injuries of those involved has not yet been disclosed. Major backups formed near the area, with traffic at a standstill for several hours.

By 10 a.m., one of the trucks remained on scene, though vehicles were being allowed to pass using the shoulder. 

We hope everyone involved in this wreck is safe and accounted for.

How Are Lawsuits Different When a Commercial Truck Is Involved in a Carteret, NJ Crash?

Lawsuits that involve commercial trucks frequently differ from typical car accident claims because multiple parties can share liability, including the trucking company, the cargo loader, and sometimes a separate maintenance contractor. 

The Turnpike through Carteret, particularly near Interchange 12, carries heavy commercial traffic feeding toward Routes 1 and 9, which makes large-vehicle collisions a recurring concern in this stretch.

When a truck catches fire after a collision, injuries can range from severe burns to smoke inhalation, and the destruction of cargo, like the lumber involved here, can complicate efforts to determine exactly how the crash unfolded. Federal trucking regulations also come into play, since companies are required to maintain certain records, including driver logs and maintenance histories, that can become central to a case.

New Jersey law allows injured people to pursue claims against multiple responsible parties at once, and a truck accident lawyer can play a role in identifying which companies or insurers should be named, since trucking cases frequently involve layers of corporate insurance that don't apply in passenger vehicle crashes. Evidence like black box data and dispatch records can also disappear quickly if not preserved early, so consequently, timing is especially important in these cases.

If your or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in New Jersey, our team can provide clear legal guidance. At Metro Law, we are available to talk with you and listen to your case in order to explain what options may be open for you. 

In case you have any doubts, you can call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to talk with our team directly.