Toll of Commuting
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
FIFA World Cup
Deadly Crash

Deadly Crash

Dump truck driver killed in fiery crash on New Jersey Turnpike

After the collision, the Kenworth and the International became fully engulfed in flames, police said.

Derek Callahan

Mar 9, 2026, 9:16 PM

Updated

Share:

Top Stories

A dump truck driver was killed Tuesday morning after his vehicle crashed into two tractor-trailers and caught fire on the New Jersey Turnpike in Woodbridge, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 10 a.m. on the northbound outer roadway near milepost 92.6, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Investigators said a Kenworth dump truck driven by 34-year-old Maximo Polanco, of Ridgefield was traveling north near the Grover Cleveland rest area when it struck the rear of a parked International tractor-trailer on the right shoulder.

The impact pushed the International into the rear of a Freightliner parked in front of it.

After the collision, the Kenworth and the International became fully engulfed in flames, police said.

Polanco suffered fatal injuries. The drivers of the other vehicles sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices