Drivers heading west on Interstate 80 through Warren County Monday night encountered a scene that looked more like a candy commercial than a traffic incident. A tractor-trailer loaded with M&M’s crashed near the two-mile marker in Knowlton Township on September 15, 2025, scattering thousands of brightly colored candies across the highway and forcing an hours-long closure of the busy roadway.
The crash occurred just after 10 p.m. when a tractor-trailer hauling candy collided with another truck parked on the shoulder of I-80 westbound. The impact ripped open both trailers, sending their contents spilling onto the road. For motorists approaching the scene, the mix of headlights and flashing emergency lights reflected off a highway littered with candy-coated chocolate.
Although the unusual sight drew attention, officials confirmed that no serious injuries were reported. Both drivers involved were evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene but declined hospital transport. Despite the dramatic crash and the significant cleanup that followed, authorities emphasized that the outcome could have been far worse.
Firefighters, rescue crews, New Jersey State Police, and the state Department of Transportation were dispatched immediately after the crash. The first reports suggested a possible vehicle fire, but upon arrival, responders found no flames—only an extraordinary mess of candy and torn debris. Crews worked quickly to clear the scene, sweeping and hauling away candy while managing the flow of traffic.
To ensure safety, westbound lanes of I-80 were shut down for several hours. Detours were established while workers labored to remove the scattered chocolate and repair the damage to the roadway. By shortly after midnight, the cleanup was complete and all lanes were reopened, restoring traffic flow to one of New Jersey’s most vital interstate corridors.
For residents and travelers alike, the accident served as a reminder of just how unpredictable travel in the Garden State can be. From standard fender benders to once-in-a-lifetime cleanups involving candy, New Jersey’s highways see it all. The crash also highlights the importance of careful planning when traveling through busy interstate routes like I-80, which serves as a main artery connecting North Jersey to Pennsylvania and beyond.
While no one was hurt in the incident, the sight of thousands of M&M’s strewn across the pavement will likely be remembered by those who passed through Warren County that night. For truck drivers and commuters, it was an inconvenience. For onlookers, it was a bizarre story to tell—a reminder that sometimes, even traffic delays come with a twist.
Travelers looking to navigate New Jersey’s highways with less stress can find helpful resources for route planning, detours, and safety tips through Explore New Jersey Travel Planning.
