New Providence, Berkeley Heights Mail May Have Been Lost in Truck Fire

Did you send out a piece of mail from Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence or another nearby town between Sept. 7 and 10? It may be lost due to a Sept. 11 two-truck collision that resulted in the burning of the mail truck, the U.S. mail on board and the death of its driver.

The New Jersey Department of Treasury is providing assistance to residents in many Union and Morris County towns. The affected zip codes begin with 070 to 076, 078, 079, 088 and 089, according to a press release from Gov. Chris Christie’s office.

Some of the Union and Morris County towns that fall under those zip codes include Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, New Providence, Summit, Scotch Plains, Chatham Township, Chatham Borough, Madison, Fanwood, Springfield, Green Village, Westfield, Garwood, Clark and Cranford, among many other towns.

"The box truck burst into flames after colliding with a larger truck on the New Jersey Turnpike between exits 8 and 8A near Hightstown,” according to the press release. “The U.S. Postal Service now says the blaze and resulting firefighting efforts destroyed nearly every piece of mail on board. The truck was carrying one day’s worth of mail to a variety of locations in Central New Jersey, including letters and packages bound for some state government offices in Trenton and the surrounding area.”

NorthJersey.com reported that the driver of the mail truck was killed.

Christie’s office has ordered all state agencies to provide required assistance to residents who may have been affected by this mail truck fire.

"We're making arrangements to try to help out people whose mail was destroyed in this unfortunate fire," said Bill Quinn, spokesperson for the state Department of Treasury. "If people had payments that were due, we're extending the deadline on that until at least Oct. 15."

Are you concerned your mail may have been lost?

The USPS Consumer Affairs Office had not received any inquiries about lost mail as of Tuesday, said George Flood, the postal service's regional spokesperson. But he said concerned customers may call (800) 275-8777 to report lost mail.

To find a state agency's website, visit the state website and click on the appropriate agency's link. Or call the Governor's Constituent Relations Office at (609) 777-2500.