Newark Tanker Crash Delays Trains, Closes Highway

Some rail commuters are facing delays following a fiery tanker crash in Newark.

Tanker fire burns in Newark (PIX 11)

The tanker, carrying 8,500 gallons of oil, burst into flames after colliding with a car on McCarter Highway adjacent to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor rail line in Newark at about 1:45 a.m. according to PIX 11 Thursday.

The Star Ledger reports the fire burned through overhead wires causing problems for Amtrak's signals and overhead wires. The fire was put out within an hour according to the newspaper.

Gasoline also ran off into storm drains resulting in the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission and the state Department of Environmental Protection to assist with cleanup.

Police are looking for the driver of the car who ran off after the crash.

Amtrak service is running with minor delays.

Raritan Valley Line service has been suspended while Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains are operating with delays of up to 30 minutes.

All westbound trains along the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line between Newark Airport and Rahway have resumed service.

Police are investigating the crash.