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Investigation Continues Into Deadly Tanker Truck Crash, Fire On NJ Turnpike

SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Investigators late Thursday were taking a close look at the fiery tanker truck crash on the New Jersey Turnpike this week.

The truck, carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline, exploded on Wednesday just south of Exit 15W, between Interstate 280 and Route 3 in Kearny.

As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, heat and fire poured out of every part of the ruptured tanker, which had flipped over the guardrail in the northbound lanes of the turnpike.

The driver was killed. The trucking company, JSK Transport, has identified the deceased truck driver as 40-year-old Dalip Kumar.

JSK Transport said everyone was deeply saddened by the loss of the driver, and was praying for his family.

"When I gave my explanation to the police, I got it wrong," said witness Kevin Hauer.

Hauer tried to rescue the truck driver, but there was nothing he could do.

Hauer also released dash cam video captured the tanker swerving, hitting a guard rail crashing, then bursting into flames on the Turnpike. On Thursday, he released more video, offering a glimpse into what happened moments before.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, a cargo van with mattresses and box springs on top is seen driving in the northbound lanes while the tanker truck is passing the dashcam in the center lane.

"I originally thought an SUV cut in front of the truck at the last second," said Hauer.

Now, Hauer said his video shows another car trying to avoid one of the mattresses that came loose and fell onto the roadway.

"A black car, maybe, that sort of kind of weaves the lane a little bit to try and avoid the mattress, and was hitting the brakes. And that, I am sure, was what the other truck driver saw," Hauer said.

"Once you get this close, it's very hard to avoid any kind of accident," said Bill Oliver, with Jersey Tractor Trailer Training. "I think it was great that he tried to miss that car."

"That truck driver did save lives," said Hauer.

Oliver, who owns a training school for truckers, said the tanker's turn was too sharp, and with thousands of gallons of fuel on board, it was bound to tip over.

Oliver said drivers have to look a quarter-mile down the road at all times, especially for brake lights. That's how you prevent accidents.

State police said so far, no charges have been filed against the driver of the truck that the mattresses fell from.

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