One Killed, One Hurt in Elizabeth Tanker Crash

A stretch of Routes 1 and 9 in Elizabeth was closed for several hours after a fiery, fatal crash involving a car and a gasoline tanker truck.

Authorities say the driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, while the tanker driver escaped his burning truck without serious injury. Their names have not been released.

The crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday in the area of the Bayway Circle, causing an explosion that awoke nearby residents.

Authorities say the car became wedged under the burning tanker, trapping the driver inside the vehicle.

The roadway was then closed until late Tuesday afternoon, causing major traffic delays in the area.

Residents of about a dozen homes were briefly evacuated as a precaution.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)