Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A tractor-trailer crashed into a limousine business in Clifton, New Jersey at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13, causing the building to partially collapse more than a day later, according to Fox5ny. The crash occurred just off Route 3 near the Passaic Avenue exit ramp, where the 18-wheeler appeared to have driven off the roadway before smashing into the commercial building.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows the truck did not slow down before impact, and officials are investigating whether the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, Fox5ny reports. The driver became trapped inside the cab following the collision and required extrication by first responders. Emergency crews removed the driver on a stretcher and transported them to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials later confirmed the driver is expected to make a full recovery.
The impact took out an entire corner of the building, creating what Clifton Police described as “a very complex situation.” As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, the tractor-trailer remained lodged inside the structure while engineers worked to stabilize the compromised building. Police officials stated there is “no definitive timeframe” for removing the truck from the business.
Removal efforts have proven challenging, with crews attempting to use a cable system to extract the tractor-trailer. However, the chain reportedly snapped during the removal attempt, prompting a fire response on scene. The building must be properly supported before crews can safely remove the truck, officials explained. “The priority is getting this right,” Clifton Police Department stated.
Fire officials revealed they had strategically staged equipment on scene due to prior similar incidents involving tractor-trailers striking buildings in the area. This pre-positioning allowed for a rapid emergency response when the crash occurred. The partial collapse of the building occurred over a day after the initial impact, highlighting the structural damage caused by the collision.
Officials continue investigating what caused the crash, with the preliminary focus on whether driver fatigue played a role in the incident. The severity of the impact and the truck’s failure to slow down before striking the building have become key elements in the ongoing investigation.
Location & Road Context
The crash site is located on Route 3 near the Passaic Avenue exit ramp in Clifton, New Jersey, a major thoroughfare that serves as a critical east-west connector in the northern New Jersey region. Route 3 carries heavy commercial and commuter traffic, particularly during overnight hours when long-haul truckers frequently travel through the corridor to avoid daytime congestion.
The Passaic Avenue exit ramp on Route 3’s eastbound lanes remains closed as of Tuesday afternoon due to the ongoing emergency response and building stabilization efforts. While Route 3 itself remains open in both directions, additional surrounding roads have experienced closures, including nearby local streets such as Mosaic Avenue. The road closures have impacted local traffic patterns as crews continue working to resolve the complex extraction and building safety issues.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The Clifton Police Department is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with a particular focus on whether driver fatigue contributed to the incident. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage that shows the tractor-trailer’s approach to the building, which captured the truck’s failure to brake or slow down before impact.
No charges have been announced at this time as the investigation remains active. The driver’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the crash will likely influence any potential legal proceedings as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Broader Impact
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders when heavy commercial vehicles crash into buildings, particularly regarding structural integrity and safe extraction procedures. Fire officials’ decision to pre-stage equipment based on similar previous incidents in the area demonstrates the proactive approach required to handle such complex emergency situations involving potential building collapse and extended rescue operations.