Candy Crush: M&M’s Spill Blocks Interstate After Big Rigs Crash in New Jersey
Just in time for Halloween, a tractor-trailer crash on I-80 in New Jersey left M&M’s candy spilled all over the highway.
A tractor-trailer crash on I-80 in New Jersey left M&M candy spilled all over the highway.
Image Courtesy Knowlton Twp. Fire and Rescue Company #1Thousands of M&M's packages were scattered across Interstate 80 when a loaded semi smashed into a parked truck in Knowlton Township, New Jersey. The Monday night crash shut down westbound traffic while workers cleared the sweet mess from the road.
At 10:17 p.m., near mile marker 2.4, the candy-filled truck struck another big rig on the shoulder. The impact split both trailers wide open. M&M's spilled across all lanes, creating an unusual obstacle for late-night drivers.
First responders raced to the site after reports of smoke. They found no fire, just mountains of scattered candy. State police blocked the lanes, giving rescue teams clear access to check on both drivers.
Neither trucker needed medical care. Workers spent hours, until past midnight on Tuesday, scooping up countless pieces of candy from the asphalt.
The cleanup drew support from multiple teams. Engine 41-63, Rescue 41-73, Tanker 41-71, Car 41, and Atlantic EMS 15-51 all pitched in. State Police and DOT staff managed traffic flow while clearing the mess.
By chance, the accident happened close to Mars Inc.'s main U.S. plant in Hackettstown, Warren County, where workers make half the country's M&M's.
The spill caused major backups as cars detoured onto side roads. DOT crews worked through the night, picking up candy pieces and truck parts strewn across the lanes.
