A semi truck crashed and caught fire on I-287, shutting down lanes of I-287 in Oakland, New Jersey. It happened on Thursday afternoon at milepost 58.5.
According to NBC New York, the semi truck veered off the roadway and struck a guardrail. The impact from the crash ripped off one of its rear tires, causing it to burst into flames.
The driver was able to escape the inferno unharmed. There were no other injuries reported.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene.
North Jersey reported that the driver has been identified as 58-year-old Ronald Sparks of Gloversville, New York. Police believe that the man suffered a medical emergency and briefly passed out before crashing.
At 4 p.m., the southbound lanes of the highway were shut down and extensive traffic backed up for eight miles followed.
Traffic was detoured at Exit 58.
The was fire extinguished within 45 minutes. Lanes have since reopened.