A tanker carrying gas caught fire this afternoon after overturning on the New Jersey Turnpike, as earlier reported on our news alerts. 

The fire, which occurred around 2 PM near interchange 11 southbound, sent plumes of smoke into the air and was visible for miles, causing severe traffic backups in the area.

The driver of the truck suffered serious burns and was airlifted to the burn center, New Jersey State Police said.

The car and truck lanes are open in both directions, and the truck lane is still shut southbound until further notice.

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VIDEO – Courtesy of Jersey Shore Hurricane News.