UPDATE: NJ Turnpike lanes reopened after fatal crash, but major traffic delays remain

ROBBINSVILLE —The driver of a dump truck that struck a bridge abutment and burst into flames on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mercer County this morning has died as a result of his injuries, authorities said.

The Turnpike was closed in both directions near exit 7A after the truck hit an abutment supporting the I-195 overpass at 9:54 a.m., State Police Sgt. Adam Grossman said. The I-195 bridge caught fire from the blaze and that highway was also closed in both directions.

The name of the driver was not released.

The truck was driving in the center southbound lane of the Turnpike when it veered into the abutment, Grossman said. The cause of the crash was not available. There is ongoing construction in the area of the crash as part of a Turnpike widening project and a realignment of the I-195 overpass.

The Department of Transportation plans to inspect the I-195 bridge for structural damage from the fire, officials said.

Vehicles are being diverted off the NJ Turnpike at exit 4 northbound and at exit 9 southbound. Vehicles are being diverted off I-195 at exit 5 eastbound and exit 7 westbound.

Cars stuck on the Turnpike's northbound lanes near the accident were being sent in the opposite direction to exit the highway.

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