John Rischitelli, 61, killed in crash with tractor trailer on Route 287 North in Bernards Township on August 7.

The person killed in the tractor trailer crash on Route 287 North early Thursday has been identified as 61-year-old John Rischitelli, of Lewes, Del., State Police spokesperson Trooper Alina Spies told NJ.com Thursday afternoon. The crash, which occurred near mile marker 26.1 just before 1:30 a.m., snarled northbound rush-hour traffic for hours Thursday morning. All lanes were open by 7:30 a.m. Spies said Rischitelli was driving a 2005 Volvo tractor trailer traveling in the right lane on 287 North. He was following a 2007 GMC that was towing a 2008 Toyota Sienna on a towing dolly, she said. The tractor trailer encountered the GMC in its path and attempted to evade it, Spies said. The tractor trailer struck the rear of the Toyota, which was redirected into the GMC, Spies said. The GMC overturned on its left side, she said. After striking the GMC, the tractor trailer hit the right guard rail and sound barrier before engulfing in flames, Spies said. Rischitelli was entrapped in his vehicle, Spies said. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 2:56 a.m., she said. Spies said that an investigation of the crash is ongoing.