February 22, 2026 — The Allamuchy Volunteer Fire Department responded at 11:33 p.m. Sunday to a tractor-trailer rollover on Interstate 80 eastbound at mile marker 22.2, but what began as a routine emergency response escalated into a hazardous situation due to motorists ignoring active travel restrictions and a commercial vehicle ban. Despite the presence of multiple marked police units, fire apparatus, an ambulance, tow trucks, and extensive emergency lighting, vehicles continued traveling through the scene at unsafe speeds. On the highway that night were numerous New Jersey State Police troopers, five tow operators, two HazMat specialists, five firefighters, and three EMTs.

Officials reported that responders were nearly struck by passing vehicles at least four separate times. Conditions deteriorated to the point where crews were forced to clear the scene and leave the wrecked tractor-trailer in place because it was too dangerous to continue operating.

Department officials emphasized that travel restrictions are issued for safety reasons and are not optional, urging motorists to stay off the roads during declared bans and to slow down and respect emergency scenes to prevent potential tragedy involving responders.