WATCH: New Jersey police officer recovering after close call with a burning out-of-control truck

SPARTA, New Jersey -- A New Jersey police officer is recovering after a close call with a burning, out-of-control truck.

Sparta Police responded to a box truck on fire on Route 15 on Saturday afternoon. As thick smoke poured from the engine, officers got the driver, and a passenger out safely.

Other officers closed the southbound lanes because of the danger. Suddenly, the burning truck began to roll backwards towards two parked police vehicles.

Sergeant Joseph Pensado ran to get his car out of the way, and dove out of the way at the last second.

The truck stopped when it hit a guardrail. Sergeant Pensado severely bruised his right shoulder and hurt his left knee. He will be off the job for several weeks.