A tractor trailer fire sent plumes of black smoke into the air and closed Route 295 late in the Tuesday morning commute.

The highway was remained closed as of 12:30  p.m. for cleanup of the fire between the 42 Freeway and Route 168.  The only way onto 295 north is via the ramp from 42 southbound. Drives already on 295 north or the 42 Freeway can exit to  the northbound 42 Freeway, exit at Route 130 and then get onto 42 northbound.

New Jersey State Police spokesman Sgt. Gregory Williams said  the driver was transported to Cooper University Hospital. Some oil and gas drained onto the roadway  and the cause of the fire is still under investigation  Images of the fire showed flames coming from the engine of the truck.

Commuter Robert Geist said the fire was very intense as he drove north on the 42 Freeway. "You could see the smoke from the  Route 55/Route 42 split," Geist said, noting that fire companies from several towns responded to the fire. According to Williams, crews from Cherry Hill and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the blaze.

Williams could not estimate how long Route 295 would stay closed.

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