GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – A crane truck overturned during a multi-vehicle crash in Gloucester Township on Tuesday.
The Gloucester Township Police were dispatched to Little Gloucester Road in the area of Golfview Drive at approximately 1:34 pm for a motor vehicle crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer crashing into a tree and utility pole.
A 60-ton hydraulic crane truck lying on its driver’s side blocked traffic when officers from the Traffic Safety Unit arrived.
A 2015 Toyota Camry was located off the roadway near a tree with its airbags deployed. The drivers of both vehicles were able to self-extend themselves before the arrival of emergency personnel. Inspira EMS & Ground Transport BLS conducted a medical assessment on the drivers of both vehicles who presented minor injuries, while Squad 88, Chews Landing Fire Department and Blackwood Fire Company stabilized the vehicles. The drivers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Jefferson Stratford.
It was determined that a section of the “swingaway extension arm” from the hydraulic crane truck, owned by Dobbs Crane Rental, was dislodged from the crane while traveling northbound on Little Gloucester Road and struck a utility pole brace.
“After taking the brace pole down, it appears the extension arm became stuck into the ground as the vehicle momentum continued forward, ultimately causing the crane truck to overturn onto the driver’s side, across both travel lanes,” the Gloucester Township Police Department said. “As this occurred, the Toyota Camry was traveling southbound and the driver quickly steered the vehicle to the right to avoid colliding with the crane. This caused the vehicle to travel off road, up a hill and into a tree.”
Little Gloucester Rd was closed for approximately five hours as heavy-duty tow trucks responded to upright the hydraulic crane truck and clean up the roadway.
This investigation is ongoing by members of the Traffic Safety Unit. If anyone witnessed this crash, please contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856) 228-4500 or call our GTPD Anonymous Crime Tip Line at (856) 842-5560. To send an Anonymous Tip via Text Message to Gloucester Township Police, text the keyword “TIP GLOTWPPD” and your tip message to 888777.