WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A tractor-trailer crash that pulled down live power lines sparked a vehicle fire, trapped two մարդկանց, and left about 700 customers without electricity while forcing major road closures along Route 34, officials said.
The crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. April 17 on Route 34 North just north of Hurley Pond Road, according to Wall Township emergency services.
Downed Wires Trigger Chain Reaction
Responders determined the tractor-trailer became entangled in overhead utility lines while exiting a business, pulling down multiple poles and sending live wires onto passing vehicles.
Four northbound vehicles were impacted, and in one case, two occupants became trapped inside a car that caught fire after the wires came down.
Firefighters from Glendola Fire Company and South Wall Fire Rescue extinguished the flames and safely extricated the trapped افراد.
Injuries and Widespread Power Outages
One person was reported injured and treated at the scene by Monmouth County EMS (MEDSTAR). No additional injuries were reported.
The incident also caused significant infrastructure disruption, with approximately 700 homes and businesses losing power as utility crews worked to restore service.
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Key Points
• Tractor-trailer crash pulls down power lines, igniting vehicle fire on Route 34
• Two people rescued from burning car; one injury reported
• About 700 customers lose power; major road closures remain in place
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Major Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
Route 34 was shut down in both directions between Hurley Pond Road and Belmar Boulevard following the crash.
As of noon, northbound lanes remained closed, while southbound traffic was reduced to a single lane. The New Jersey Department of Transportation established detours as crews continued emergency operations and repairs.
Officials have not provided an estimate for when the northbound lanes will fully reopen.
What Comes Next
Utility crews remain on scene repairing damaged infrastructure as investigators work to determine the full circumstances of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by Wall Township Police Patrolman Trent Powers, and road closures are expected to continue until the area is deemed safe.