Driver dies after tanker truck crashes, bursts into flames on New Jersey Turnpike in Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (WABC) -- State Police say the driver of a tanker trunk that crashed and caught fire on the New Jersey Turnpike Tuesday has died from his injuries.

He has been identified as 58 year old Carlos Vinciguerra-Gomez from Elizabeth, NJ.

The accident happened at about 1:45 p.m. near Interchange 11 in Woodbridge, on a ramp from the southbound NJ Turnpike truck lanes.

Police say the driver was severely burned and airlifted to the burn unit of St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston. He is believed to have sustained burns to over 90 percent of his body.

He was the only person in the vehicle.

The tanker was carrying about 8,500 gallons of gas. The fire sent huge plumes of smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.

The outer lanes of the turnpike were shut down near the crash scene, causing traffic delays in the area. The crash occurred on the exit that heads towards the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 in Woodbridge.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The exit ramp from the southbound truck lanes to the toll plaza was closed for road repairs.

Crews worked to repave a 200-foot section of the truck lanes exit ramp, and replace some of the guardrail.

The Interchange 11 ramp reopened Wednesday morning.