No Fine for I-78 Drivers Forced into EZ Pass Lane by Truck Fire

Cash customers forced into the EZ Pass lanes after Monday's fatal truck fire on Interstate 78 just over the toll bridge will not be fined for non-payment of tolls.

Rescue and clean up crews tend to a tractor trailer fire on I-78 westbound just beyond the toll plaza in Pennsylvania (The Morning Call)

A tractor trailer rear ended a vehicle in a toll lane, pushing the car 200 feet past the toll plaza where it wound up against an embankment and burst into flames killing the driver, 55-year-old Daniel C. Murphy of Hacketsttown.

When the highway was reopened after eight hours traffic was directed to use all lanes for a better traffic flow. "They did divert into the express E-ZPass entry, but no violations were recorded for that period," Delaware River Joint Bride Toll Commission spokesman Ethan Vickers told NBC 10. She noted that "65-percent of the traffic at that particular crossing uses the Express E-ZPass entry"

Following the accident, one toll lane remains closed to cash paying customers while repairs are assessed, according to a DRJTBC press release, which could cause delays. during high traffic hours.

The westbound road was closed for nearly eight hours with traffic forced onto Route 22 in New Jerseyat exit #3. Traffic was back to #12 at Perrysville Road before the road was reopened.