Several people were injured, some seriously, on Friday afternoon after a dump truck lost control on 71st Street in North Bergen, crashed into a tractor trailer, with both vehicles then crashing through the side wall of the Target store.
According to information provided by the township and local police, Tonnelle Avenue was shut down to all traffic in both directions between 70th and 76th Streets. A statement from the North Bergen Police Department just after 4 pm said, “Our preliminary investigation indicates that a dump truck traveling west on 71st Street crossed into the southbound lanes of Tonnelle Avenue, striking a tractor trailer before colliding with Target. There are six reported injuries; two are considered serious, two moderate, and two minor. All but one of the injured individuals are receiving treatment at local hospitals.”
In addition to local North Bergen Police Department and Emergency Medical Services, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, West New York Police Department and EMS, Union City EMS, Weehawken EMS and Jersey City Medical Center all responded promptly to the scene.
“Our thoughts are with those who were affected by the events that occurred this afternoon,” said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco at a press conference with various first responders from North Bergen Police, EMT and North Hudson Regional Fire Department to offer details about the incident. “We are committed to supporting the injured individuals and their families while working to understand what happened. I also want to commend our emergency responders and responders from surrounding municipalities for their swift action and dedication to ensuring everyone’s safety.”
All injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Their conditions are not being released at this time.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local authorities. No charges are being brought at this time according to North Bergen Police Department officials.