Two individuals rescued from utility truck after it fell into a waterway in South Jersey.
In a dramatic incident on Wednesday morning, two individuals were successfully rescued after their utility truck plunged into a waterway in Gloucester County, according to local officials. The incident unfolded shortly before 7:30 a.m. when the utility truck collided with a passenger vehicle on the northbound lanes of I-295, ultimately overturning into the Hessian Run Tributary, located near West Deptford High School.
Emergency response teams were quick to act, with Gloucester County Emergency Management commending the efforts of a nearby employee from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, as well as a passerby who provided immediate assistance. West Deptford police played a crucial role in the rescue, which was described as heroic, ensuring that the two occupants of the submerged vehicle were brought to safety.
Following the successful rescue, the two individuals were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment of injuries that were assessed as non-life-threatening. Their quick evacuation from the vehicle likely prevented further complications from the accident.
The collision also resulted in a significant fuel leak into the tributary, leading to an urgent response from hazmat crews. Firefighters were assisted by these specialized teams to contain and mitigate the environmental impact of the leak. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were alerted to ensure a comprehensive response to the ecological concerns stemming from the incident.
After several hours on the scene, all road lanes that had been closed for the emergency response were reopened by 1 p.m., allowing traffic to resume normal flow in the area. Local authorities are likely to continue monitoring the waterway for any long-term environmental effects resulting from the incident.
As more information regarding the accident’s circumstances becomes available, local officials are focusing on ensuring the safety of the community and addressing any potential regulatory implications related to the fuel leak. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the swift actions that first responders can take in emergencies.
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