Truck Fire Shuts Down Sections of New York State Thruway Late Monday Night

HARRIMAN, N.Y. — A dramatic late-night truck fire brought traffic to a standstill on the New York State Thruway Monday, shutting down both directions of the highway and triggering a massive emergency response effort.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when a tractor-trailer caught fire while entering the Thruway from Route 17 in Harriman, NY, according to the Woodbury Fire Department (WFD). The blaze broke out on the northbound entrance ramp, quickly engulfing the truck in flames and prompting authorities to close the Thruway in both directions for several hours.

First Responders Battle the Blaze

The WFD, along with multiple surrounding fire and EMS departments, rushed to the scene. Emergency crews worked for nearly an hour to get the flames under control. Fortunately, the driver escaped without injury, but the truck was completely destroyed, as seen in dramatic photos shared by the department.

The fire department has not yet confirmed what the truck was hauling or the cause of the fire. The tractor-trailer was a total loss, with its charred remains left smoking on the ramp into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Widespread Emergency Response

The fire prompted a multi-agency response. In addition to Woodbury FD, assisting departments included:

Monroe Fire Department
Harriman Engine Company
Mombasha Fire Company
Monroe-Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company
Woodbury Community Ambulance
Highland Mills Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary
Woodbury EMS

WFD extended its thanks to all the neighboring agencies that responded so quickly and helped contain the fire before it spread further.

Commuter Impact

The New York State Thruway is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the state, spanning more than 400 miles across New York and serving as a major artery for commercial and commuter traffic. Monday’s fire disrupted travel for thousands, as both directions were closed to ensure safety and allow fire crews to work.

With so many drivers relying on the Thruway daily—whether for long hauls or short local trips—the closure caused significant delays and detours late into the night.

Cause Still Under Investigation

Officials have not released details on the cause of the fire or what may have sparked the flames inside the truck. No hazardous materials were reported at the scene, and cleanup crews remained on-site through the night.

The good news: No injuries were reported, and thanks to the fast action of first responders, the fire was contained without spreading to nearby vehicles or infrastructure.

As of Tuesday morning, traffic had resumed on the Thruway and the entrance ramp where the fire occurred has since reopened. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.