The accident happened at about 5:46 a.m. Wednesday in the northbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 5 in Mount Laurel, Burlington County.
Police say the driver of a 1996 Astro van pulled in front of the tractor-trailer upon exiting the James F Cooper Service Area. The vehicles struck each other and the tractor-trailer went out of control.
The van is registered to 67-year-old John Monrow Jr. of Mount Laurel. He was taken to the hospital and was released with minor injuries.
The driver of the tractor-trailer has been identified as 41-year-old Raymond Joaneme of North Babylon, New York. The truck, which was carrying hair products, is registered to Central Transport out of Warren Michigan. Joaneme was stuck in the cab for roughly two hours while it was hanging. Firefighters had to repel down to rescue him. He was flown to Cooper University Hospital with a broken femur, shoulder and facial injuries.
The accident scene is blocking two right lanes. Only the left lane is getting by at this time. Drivers can expect major delays.
