Route 17 South closed in Hackensack after truck clips overpass

HACKENSACK (WABC) -- A truck clipped an overpass in New Jersey Tuesday afternoon, spilling its cargo across the roadway and forcing the shutdown of Route 17 South.

The incident happened at the I-80 exit in Hackensack around 2 p.m.

The truck, coming from Route 17 South and trying to get on I-80 East, struck the overpass, causing the trailer to detach and separate from the truck. The contents of the trailer, tobacco and paper products used to make cigars, then caught fire.

The driver suffered a minor injury.

The Department of Transportation is assisting in the clean up, and the ramp from Route 17 to I-80 will be closed until further notice.

Traffic along Route 17 South was backed up for miles Tuesday afternoon, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.