Driver cut free, flown to hospital after trash-truck crash

Submitted by New Jersey Truck Crash Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark.

A collision with a trash truck Monday in Warren County sent the other driver to the hospital aboard a med-evac helicopter, according to reports from the scene.

The crash was reported about 4 p.m. on Route 31 in Washington Township, in front of Ernie & Dom’s Pizza at 433 Route 31 South and about 500 feet north of Anderson Road.

Township police were continuing to investigate the crash and were not immediately available for comment Monday night.

The Warren County Hazardous Materials Team responded to the crash due to diesel fuel spilling from the truck’s saddle tanks, according to team Chief Tom Nigro. About 75 gallons spilled onto the side of Route 31 along a guide rail and into adjacent soil.

“We pretty much stopped all the leaks,” Nigro said, adding a contractor was brought in to remediate the spill.

The driver of the Lexus had to be cut free by responders, including members of the Clinton Rescue Squad called in for their heavy rescue truck, reports from the scene indicated.

A landing zone for the New Jersey State Police NorthStar helicopter was set up at the old A&P/McDonald’s shopping center on Route 31.

There was no immediate word on injuries suffered by the driver of the trash truck, owned by Glen Gardner-based Premier Disposal.

The crash closed Route 31 in both directions in the area until about 7 p.m., after which the fuel cleanup still required lanes to be shifted around the work.

Responding along with township police, hazmat and the Clinton Rescue Squad were paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center, the Hampton Fire Department, Washington Rescue Squad, Washington Township Fire Department, Washington Fire Department, New Jersey Department of Transportation and state police traffic management.

Originally published here by lehighvalleylive.com.