18-Wheeler Jackknifed on Route 72 In Manahawkin, Spewing Diesel Fuel on Roadway

Traffic near Nautilus Drive was backed up for more than three hours late this afternoon after an 18-wheeler jackknifed trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle and spilled diesel fuel onto the roadway, Lt. James Vaughn said.

The driver of the 18-wheeler, Joshua Lehlback, Medford, was traveling eastbound on Route 72 when he had to apply his brakes at 4:04 p.m. when another vehicle pulled out in front of him. Lehlback turned the truck to the left when he applied the brakes and the truck jackknifed into the westbound lane, Vaughn said.

The gas tank ruptured and the fuel spilled onto the roadway, he said.

The driver of the other vehicle left the scene, but is known to police, Vaughn said.

The Stafford Township Fire Department, Berkeley Hazmat Team, state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Transportation responded.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Anyone with any information about the accident please call Patrolman John Morrin at 609-597-8581, ext. 8445.

Image: Patch file photo