NJ Transit Bus Blaze Triggers Major Delays on Turnpike

An early-morning bus fire on the northbound eastern New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus disrupted the commute, officials said. A tire blowout on a NJ Transit carriage caused fires before Exit 15X around 6:12 a.m. All 49 passengers and the driver survived.

Early in the morning, the line 113 bus left Plainfield for the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC. A tire blowout on the eastern spur at Secaucus ignited the fire. Local fire crews doused the fire, but smoke and damage needed cleanup. First responders arrived immediately.

At peak reaction, authorities closed all northbound eastern spur lanes to control the event. To control traffic, officials decreased southbound lanes. Delays continued past Newark Exit 15E. Morning rush-hour Newark drivers experienced slowdowns.

NJ Transit shifted commuters to a later bus to reduce disruptions. NJ Transit and PATH honored each other’s tickets in affected zones due to delays and service modifications. State officials are investigating the fire’s cause.

This fire illustrates transit systems’ mechanical failures and their influence on congested corridor traffic. For passenger safety and road disruption reduction, it emphasizes stringent maintenance and prompt emergency response.

Bus maintenance and emergency readiness along major transportation corridors may be scrutinized after the incident. As cleanup and investigation continue and lessons are gained to prevent future disasters, commuters may expect greater damage.

Sources
ABC7 New York / WABC Eyewitness News
Patch Secaucus / Local News
CBS New York / CBS local reporting
News 12 New York / New Jersey corridor news