A tractor-trailer overturned Wednesday morning spilling thousands of gallons of gasoline on Route 1 in Linden.
According to police, at approximately 8:30 a.m. a tractor-trailer traveling north on South Stiles Street attempted to make a left turn on Route 1 when it turned onto its side.
Officials say the tanker ruptured during the crash, spilling 9000 gallons of gasoline onto the roadway.
The driver was treated on scene for minor injuries by Linden Fire Department personnel and released.
The Union County Hazmat personnel are responding to coordinate cleanup efforts.
Officials said Route 1 is closed in both directions between Pleasant Street and S. Wood Avenue.
UPDATE: (12:06) The Crown Inn on Route 1 has been evacuated. Linden Fire Department personnel are going door-to-door to measure air quality levels, and will order additional evacuations as necessary.
Wheeler Park is closed to pedestrian traffic. Cleanup efforts are expected to last well past rush hour and into early tomorrow morning.
UPDATE: (7:33 pm) Route 1 northbound toward Elizabeth has been reopened. Route 1 southbound towards Rahway remains closed between S. Wood Avenue & S. Stiles Street following this morning's gasoline spill. Cleanup efforts are expected to last into the late evening hours, but we expect traffic to return to normal before the morning commute.
IMAGES: RLS Metro