Toms River, NJ – A truck struck overhead utility wires Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Route 70 and Whitesville Road in Toms River, causing a utility pole to snap and catch fire.
The incident also left live wires draped across at least one vehicle, prompting an emergency response and significant traffic disruptions. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and expect delays for the next several hours as utility crews work to make the intersection safe.
Video was captured by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department mobile surveillance unit outside a Whitesville Road mosque.
“At approximately 10:58 a.m. today, a white semi-truck hauling a lowboy trailer loaded with a forklift was traveling north on Whitesville Road when it struck and knocked down power lines in the area of Route 70 and Whitesville Road in Toms River.
Crews are currently on scene working to clear the area and restore power. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use caution if traveling nearby. Downed power lines should always be treated as energized — do not attempt to move or drive over them,” – OC Sheriff’s Dept.
Utility crews responding
Emergency crews responded after the damaged pole caught fire following the collision. Authorities have not reported any injuries, and the extent of damage to the affected vehicle has not been released.
Drivers should expect lane closures and detours while crews remove the damaged pole, repair utility lines, and restore service.
Other traffic incidents across New Jersey
New Jersey commuters also faced several other traffic disruptions Thursday afternoon, including:
- A disabled truck blocking the left lane on the upper level westbound of the George Washington Bridge.
- A water main break closing all northbound lanes of U.S. 206 north of Princeton Pike in Lawrence Township.
- A disabled truck blocking the left lane on the New Jersey Turnpike local lanes northbound near Exit 71 in Englewood.
- A crash blocking the left lane on the lower level eastbound of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee.
- A disabled tractor-trailer closing the right lane and shoulder on southbound U.S. 1 near Sandhill Road in South Brunswick Township.
Why it matters
Downed power lines can create dangerous conditions for motorists and utility workers while also causing extended traffic delays and power outages. Drivers are urged to avoid any downed wires and follow detours until the Toms River intersection is reopened.
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