Trucking News · New Jersey · November 5, 2026

Garbage Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Catches Fire on I-80 in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey, and the Truck Driver Has Minor Injuries

By Big Rig Daily Staff

A tractor-trailer hauling garbage overturned and caught fire on Interstate 80 westbound in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey, late Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, according to New Jersey State Police as reported by WRNJ Radio. The driver had minor injuries.

What was reported

The crash happened at 10:52 p.m. near milepost 18.6 in Warren County, State Police said. According to a preliminary investigation, the tractor-trailer was traveling westbound when the driver lost directional control and the truck overturned. Diesel fuel and oil leaked from the truck, and the cab caught fire, State Police said.

Firefighters put out the fire, and hazardous materials crews worked to contain and clean up the spill, WRNJ reports. The Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad cared for the driver at the scene. Fire departments from Green Township and Hope Township helped supply water.

Interstate 80 westbound was closed at Exit 19 while crews worked. All westbound lanes reopened at about 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4.

What is not known

State Police said the crash remains under investigation. The report does not say why the driver lost control, and it does not name the driver or the company. Big Rig Daily is not speculating about the cause.

A reminder for truckers

Because the cause is not known, this is not a conclusion about this crash. As a general reminder, a pre-trip inspection and a steady speed for the conditions are basic safety habits on any night run. Big Rig Daily's pre-trip inspection checklist walks through the steps.

Quick facts

• Where: I-80 westbound near milepost 18.6, Allamuchy Township, Warren County, New Jersey.
• When: 10:52 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
• What: a garbage tractor-trailer overturned and the cab caught fire, per State Police.
• Injuries: the driver had minor injuries.
• Reopened: all westbound lanes about 6 a.m. Nov. 4.

FAQ

Was anyone else involved?

The report describes only the tractor-trailer.

What caused it?

State Police said the driver lost directional control, according to a preliminary investigation. Why is not known, and the crash is under investigation.

A question for readers

Truckers who run I-80 in northwest New Jersey, what stretch do you watch most carefully at night?

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