Truck carrying 40,000 pounds of apples crashes on Route 78, traffic expected for hours

An overturned tractor trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of apples overturned on Route 78, blocking the eastbound express lanes Tuesday afternoon, creating what could be a lengthy closure and cleanup.

New Jersey State Police said the truck traveling eastbound overturned in the local lanes near exit No. 48 for Route 24 in Union around 2 p.m. and was blocking all the express lanes as of 3 p.m.. Only one lane on the local side was blocked.

The roof and sides of the tractor trailer were ripped open but the cab of the truck were in tact, State Police said. The driver of the truck was not hurt.

The road was expected to remain closed well into the afternoon commute for cleanup of the spill.

The family of the late Harry Chapin could not be reached for comment.