Two people have died following a fiery crash on Route 287 in Edison, New Jersey, involving a Jeep SUV and a fuel tanker carrying more than 8,000 gallons of fuel. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, resulted in prolonged highway closures and a massive emergency response.
Steven Merisier, 25, of North Brunswick, was a passenger in the Jeep. He succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash on Monday, May 18, according to New Jersey State Police Detective Sgt. Caitlin Brennan. The Jeep’s driver also died; authorities have not yet released their identity.
New Jersey State Police responded to northbound Route 287 near milepost 1.9 at approximately 5:53 a.m. on May 17, following reports of the collision. Preliminary investigations indicate that a Volvo tractor hauling a fuel tanker trailer was traveling northbound when the Jeep struck the rear of the tanker. The impact caused the Jeep, tractor, and tanker to become fully engulfed in flames near Exits 1 and 2.
Route 287 northbound and southbound was closed for several hours as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Route 27 between Vineyard Road and Bridge Street was also temporarily shut down, with authorities urging drivers to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays.
More than 150 firefighters from multiple mutual aid departments assisted with fire suppression and traffic control efforts. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi was on-site and coordinated with Governor Mikie Sherrill’s office and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management throughout the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Residents and commuters are reminded to follow official traffic advisories and avoid the area while emergency operations are ongoing.