LAKEWOOD, N.J. — An overturned tanker carrying thousands of gallons of diesel fuel has shut down all lanes of U.S. Route 9 in both directions north of James Street in Lakewood Township as of Monday morning.
The crash was reported at approximately 7:18 a.m., prompting a full highway closure while emergency crews responded to the scene. The NJ DOT confirmed the vehicle involved was a tanker truck transporting a large quantity of diesel fuel, raising environmental and safety concerns. HAZMAT teams have been dispatched to the site.
Officials have not yet released information on injuries or the cause of the crash.
“All lanes closed” on US 9 in both directions, according to an advisory, as crews work to stabilize the tanker and assess the fuel load. Drivers are being diverted to alternate routes, and motorists in the area are advised to expect extended delays.
The overturned tanker is located on a heavily traveled stretch of Route 9 that serves as a primary north-south corridor through Ocean County between Lakewood and Toms River near the downtown district.
As of mid-morning, responders remained on scene securing the tanker and coordinating fuel recovery operations. It is unclear how long the closure will remain in effect.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation and local emergency services are leading the response, while state environmental officials have been notified in the event of a fuel leak.
Temperatures in the area are already in the 80s, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect, adding complexity to the ongoing emergency response.
