Firearm In Tractor Trailer Driver's Cab Discharges In I-78 Fire

A 48-year-old tractor trailer driver from Connecticut is facing weapons offenses after his loaded handgun began discharging when his vehicle went up in flames Friday, Dec. 30 on Route 78, authorities said.

Cecilia Levine

12/30/2022 4:17 p.m.

The tractor trailer overturned in westbound lanes near milepost 27.1 in Bedminster around 3:50 p.m., and the vehicle became fully engulfed, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Alejandro Goez said.

During the investigation, troopers found the Bridgeport, CT driver's loaded .45 caliber handgun had discharged within the truck, Goez said.

Andrew Hardial was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and later charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, which he did not have a permit to carry in New Jersey, Goez said.

All the lanes were reopened at about 10 p.m.

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