Tractor-trailer hauling shelled corn overturns on Route 173 ramp in Hunterdon County
BLOOMSBURY BOROUGH, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — A tractor-trailer hauling shelled corn overturned Thursday afternoon on the Route 173 ramp to Interstate 78 westbound in Bloomsbury, spilling its cargo across the roadway and prompting a multi-agency response, according to the Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Company.
Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 12:50 p.m. to the Route 173 ramp leading to Interstate 78 westbound for a report of a tractor-trailer on its side. Responding agencies included the Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Company, Bloomsbury Hose Co. No. 1 and the Pattenburg Rescue Squad.
Upon arrival, first responders found the truck overturned with a full load of shelled corn scattered across both ramps. An active diesel fuel leak was also reported at the scene.
The Hunterdon County Health Department and Hazardous Materials Team were notified to assist with the incident.
Firefighters quickly worked to contain the fuel spill and secured shutoff valves on the truck’s diesel and hydraulic tanks to prevent additional leakage, officials said.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey State Police assisted with traffic control while crews managed the scene.
Washington Collision Center later righted the overturned tractor-trailer and removed the spilled corn from the roadway.
It was not immediately known whether anyone was injured. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
All responding units cleared the scene by approximately 3:45 p.m., according to the fire company.
