Month: April 2020

Update: 2 Trapped Rescued From 4 Vehicle Accident On Route 1

Update April 30, 2020 at 6 pm. West Windsor Press Release added to the story.

Update April 30, 2020 at 1 pm. Route 1 had been reopened.

April 30, 2020 at 10:45 am.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Route 1 South Bound at Harrison Street is closed to a serious MVA. It is reported two persons are heavily entrapped in the vehicles. A medevac helicopter is being requested to the scene. Two heavy rescue units, and additional fire apparatus along with multiple ambulances responding.

10:50 am update: The landing zone for the helicopter will be on Washington. Fire apparatus and rescue companies arriving going to work to remove trapped occupants. 1 person extricated so far.

1:00 pm. update: Roadway reopened.


INCIDENT:  2020-10305 Serious Motor Vehicle Crash Involving (4) Vehicles

DATE & TIME OCCURRED:  4/30/2020 at 10:26 am

LOCATION OCCURRED:  US Route 1 South (and US Route 1 North) Near Fisher Place

DRIVERS:  #1 –43 year old Male
                           Resident of Landsdowne, PA 19050

                   #2–60 year old Male
                          Resident of Edison, NJ 08817

                   #3–37 year old Male
                          Resident of N. Plainfield, NJ 07060

                   #4–46 year old Female
                          Resident of Trenton, NJ 08638

 INJURIES:  Driver #2 sustained a serious hand injury.  The 55 year old Female front seat passenger of Vehicle #2 sustained a head injury.  

OTHERS INVOLVED:
    #1–Traffic Officer Brown #89–Lead Investigator
    #2–WWPD:  Patrol Division, Traffic Bureau, & Detective Bureau
    #3–WW DIvision of Fire & Emergency Services #45
   #4–West Windsor Volunteer Fire Copmany (WWVFC#1) Station #43
   #5–Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company (PJVFC) Station #44
   #6–Plainsboro Rescue Squad Station #100
   #7–Mercer County Prosecutors Office Serious Collsion Response Team (SCRT)
   #8–Mercer County Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
   #9–NJ State DOT

DETAILS:  On Thursday April 30, 2020 at 10:26 am, Traffic & Patrol Units were detailed to US Route 1 South near Fisher Place for a Serious Motor Vehicle Crash involving a “Jacknifed” Tractor/Fuel Tanker, a Vehicle with Occupants entrapped inside, and (2) additional Vehicles.  The Investigation revealed the following:  Vehicle #1, a 2014 Mack Truck/Fuel Tanker, had been traveling South on US Route 1 in the middle lane and was approaching slowing/stopped traffic near the intersection of Fisher Place.  Vehicle #2, a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, was traveling ahead of Vehicle #1 and was slowing behind Vehicle #3, a 1993 Peterbuilt Tractor/Trailer.  Vehicle #1 struck the rear of Vehicle #2.  The force of the impact sent Vehicle #2 directly into Vehicle #3 while Vehicle #1 “Jacknifed” with the Tractor portion striking the US Route 1 Center Concrete Median.  Vehicle #4, a 2011 Toyota Sienna, was traveling North on US Route 1 in the left lane and was peppered with debris from the impact of Vehicle #1 striking the Concrete Center Median.  

                  Stations #43 & #44, and #45 worked cohesively to extricate the (2) entrapped Occupants of Vehicle #2 (**See Injuries List Above**).  After successful extraction, both Occupants of Vehicle #2 were transported to Capital Health Systems–Fuld Campus (Trauma) by Squad #45 and Plainsboro Rescue Squad #100 with Non-Life Threatening injuries.  No other injuries were reported or observed of the other parties.  

                  Traffic Officer Brown was the Lead Investigator in the collision and issued a summons for Careless Driving (39:4-97) to Driver #1.  US Route 1 South was closed while the left lane of US Route 1 North was closed for approximately 2 1/2 Hours.  

UPDATE: Missing Child Found

Update June 30, 2020 Missing again and found again:

Hamilton, NJ:  On June 30, 2020 Hamilton Police were notified that Ivan Johnson had returned home.  Detectives responded to the residence and found Johnson to be in good health.  The Hamilton Police Division would like to thank all those that publicized and shared this missing person case.


May 1, 2020 at 10:30 pm FOUND

Hamilton, NJ:  Ivan Johnson was located in the West Trenton area by Hamilton Police on 5/1/2020 after information received from an area resident.  Ivan appeared to be in good health and was returned to his guardian.  The Hamilton police Division would like to thank all those that publicized and shared this missing person case.

April 29, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—On April 27, 2020, Hamilton Police were detailed to the 1700 block of Chambers Street, on a missing 12 year old juvenile. Ivan Shawn Johnson was last seen leaving his address on April 27, 2020 at approximately 11:30 pm possibly heading to a friends’ house in Trenton.                                                                        

Ivan Shawn Johnson was last seen wearing a black jacket with a white hoodie underneath, navy blue pants and red Nike shoes. 

Ivan Shawn Johnson is known to frequent the area of Cadwalader Park, Carteret Avenue, and the 800 block of Genesee Street in Trenton.  He may also be in the possession of a white bicycle.

Hamilton Police Juvenile Detectives are asking that the public contact Detective Kevin Krall at (609) 689-5826 or via email at kkrall@hamiltonpd.org if Ivan Shawn Johnson is located.  The public can also contact the Hamilton Police Department at (609) 581-4000 with any information regarding this incident.

Reopening Saturday, Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Reopening State Parks and Golf Courses

Order Restores County Authority to Open or Close County Parks

April 29, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. “We understand that New Jerseyans want to get outside and get some fresh air as the weather warms up,” said Governor Murphy. “However, this should not serve as an open invitation to rush back to normalcy and break the necessary social distancing measures we’ve put in place. This approach will also bring New Jersey in line with our neighboring states, which will discourage residents from needlessly crossing state lines for recreation.”State Parks and Forests:  The order allows State parks and forests to open to the public for passive recreation, including fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, hiking, walking, running or jogging, biking, birding, and horseback riding.  Picnic areas, playgrounds, exercise stations and equipment, chartered watercraft services and rentals, swimming, pavilions, restrooms, and other buildings and facilities, such as visitor centers, interpretive centers, and interior historical sites, shall remain closed at this time. To limit physical interaction, the State parks and forests must implement reasonable restrictions that include:

  • Limiting parking to 50% of maximum capacity and prohibiting parking in undesignated areas;
  • Prohibiting picnics;
  • Requiring social distancing to be practiced except with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners; and
  • Banning organized or contact activities or sports; and gatherings of any kind.

The order also recommends that people wear a cloth face covering while in public settings at the parks and forests where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.“More than ever, we know how important it is for the people of New Jersey to take a break from the ongoing self-quarantine and that there are few options for outdoor recreation,” said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “Just as the decision to close parks and forests was not made lightly, the decision to reopen them has also been made with careful thought and consideration for the health and well-being of the public. We urge visitors to only visit their closest parks, keep their distance from others while outdoors, wear masks and follow the guidelines established to protect public health.”County Parks:  The order opens county parks to the public, except any parks closed by the county prior to Executive Order No. 118 that required all county parks be closed (the county will now have the ability to reopen its parks if it chooses).  This will treat county parks the same way as municipal parks – the locality gets to determine whether they are open or closed.  County and municipal parks that remain open must abide by the restrictions placed on State parks in today’s Order.All recreational campgrounds and transient camp sites at campgrounds shall remain closed to the public. Residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, condo sites, and existing/renewing 2020 yearly seasonal contract sites may remain open.  Counties and municipalities can also place restrictions on the ability of residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, to accept new transient guests or seasonal tenants, as defined by Administrative Order Nos. 2020-08 and 2020-09.Golf Courses:  The order also opens golf courses so long as they adopt minimum social distancing policies that include:

  • Implementing electronic or telephone reservation and payment systems while still providing options for populations that do not have access to internet service or credit cards;
  • Extending tee times to sixteen minutes apart;
  • Limiting the use of golf carts to one person unless being shared by immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners; 
  • Requiring frequent, and after each use, sanitization of high-touch areas such as restroom facilities, range buckets, golf carts, and push carts; 
  • Restricting the touching of golf holes and flags;
  • Closing golf center buildings, pro shops, and other buildings and amenities; 
  • Removing bunker rakes and other furniture-like benches, water coolers, and ball washers from the course;
  • Discontinuing club and equipment rentals; 
  • Prohibiting the use of caddies; and 
  • Limiting tee times to two players unless the foursome consists of immediate family, caretakers, household members or romantic partners.

The golf course may impose additional restrictions as necessary to limit person-to-person interactions. The order also recommends, but does not order, that employees, players, and other individuals on the golf course wear cloth face coverings while on the golf course. Additionally, the order clarifies that miniature golf courses and driving ranges must remain closed. 

CDC Foundation Donates 30,000 FFP2 Masks to City Of Trenton

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today thanked the CDC Foundation for generously donating 30,000 European certified high-grade protective masks to the City of Trenton to further the fight against COVID-19.  

The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s critical health protection work. 

“This is a welcome gift for the community,” stated Trenton’s Mayor Gusciora. “The impact will be felt immediately among our most at-risk populations. This donation from the CDC Foundation will ensure that our First responders, and City workers will continue to have the necessary personal protective great to best support our residents.”  

Former Mayor Doug Palmer helped to facilitate the initial conversations between City officials and representatives from the CDC Foundation.  

“I’m just thankful that the CDCF recognized the need here in the Capital City. When I heard that they had PPE’s to donate, we made sure to get Trenton on their radar, and had a conference call that very same day. The City put together a very comprehensive application, and that made the job a lot easier.” Stated Mayor Palmer.  

 “Our City is far from done. But we see a light at the end of the tunnel, and these PPE’s are helping to get us there.” Concluded Gusciora.  

Free Ice Cream Or Italian Ice Special Event Held By Vesuvio’s Pizza Of Millstone

April 29, 2020

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday between 3 pm and 6 pm Vesuvio’s food truck “Slices and Ices” handed out over 350 free ice creams and Italian ices during a special event held across from the pizzeria in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NJ Properties lot.

Frank Costaglioa from Vesuvio’s provided the free ice cream and Italian Ice. Volunteers including eleven agents from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NJ Properties helped take orders, direct traffic and hand out ice in a manor to keep the “social distancing” practice in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the kids arrived with their parents someone took the order and then a few seconds later they were handed their treats. Vesuvio’s offered vanilla or chocolate ice cream and the other option was cherry or lemon Italian ice. Everyone had gloves and masks to keep everyone save.

Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over In “Operation America Strong”

April 28, 2020

TRENTON AND MERCER COUNTY, NJ–The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, honored frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over New York City, Newark, Trenton and Philadelphia today.

Previous MidJersey.News story on the event

Photos of Operation America Strong from the Trenton Area today:

Windsor School Serving Robbinsville For Generations Demolished Making Way For Housing And A Park

April 28, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Built in 1909 a former school that has served the Township though several generations, was demolished this morning. The Windsor School first served the former Washington Township as a K-8 school then later was turned into school used for AIO “Advancements In Occupations” that program name was changed to “home economics” and “Industrial Arts”

This morning a small group of Township residents that attended the school and onlookers gathered in front of the school. Many were reminiscing about the school over the years and the time they spent there as they watched an excavator pull down the walls of the former school.

In 1909 Washington Township-Robbinsville was a farm community. My great grandparents had a farm on Old York Road in East Windsor bordering both Millstone and East Windsor. My grandparents had a farm on Sharon between Windsor and Old York. My mother attended the Windsor School and several township residents still living in town attended the school over the years including myself.

My mother Jennie Symons “Suleskey” attended the school as a K-8 school in the 1940s and remembers the school prior to getting running water installed. She still talks about how it was a big deal when the school had running water and kids used to line up at the water fountain. She talked about how prior to running water my aunt and others would have to go outside and hand pump water from the well that was located on the property. There were no indoor toilets in the school in the 1940s and there was an outhouse in the rear of the property approximately where the playground is now. At one point the schools needed desks and my grandmother Victoria Suleskey helped raise money with the PTA at the time going farm to farm collecting donations. The area was poor but farmers still donated to the schools. My grandfather Frank Suleskey along with Steve Tinaki (not sure if spelled correctly) helped build desks by hand for the Windsor School.

I developed my first roll of 110 and 135mm film and made black and white prints in 7th or 8th grade in Mr. Ecboms’s class. (I think that is spelled right its been a long time-use contact form above to contact with info and spelling). Industrial arts was on the 1st floor to the right as you entered the school. On the second floor to the right there were stoves and cooking. We learned to cook and bake in home economics.

Over the years as a firefighter for the town I remember responding to several alarms and a couple of minor smoke conditions usually from bad cooking the second floor. I also remember in the basement while working for the schools during the summers that there was some asbestos remediation done but they were never able to get it all out and some was encapsulated to keep the school open.

Reaching out to Township officials this morning they said, “The plan is for the property to be subdivided and two houses built in the front of the lot along the street. Behind the houses will be an ample-sized park with plenty of room for soccer field, basketball and a terrace area with possible gazebo for cook-outs etc. The Windsor resident advocates also wanted what’s called a ‘natural playground’ and a flower garden and a ‘butterfly garden.’ Those elements will all be incorporated, along with a re-purposing of some of the bricks from the school to build some sort of tribute to the history of the school. Many of us at the Township have very fond memories of the Windsor School and we look forward to honoring the history of the property with elements that work for everyone.”



UPDATE: Wanted Man Captured After Another Police Chase In NY State

April 27, 2020

Previous MidJersey.News Story Here

Rye, NY – On April 24, 2020, at approximately 12:35 p.m., State Police stopped a vehicle on I-95 in the city of Rye for a vehicle and traffic violation.  Before Troopers could approach the vehicle, the operator sped off and a brief pursuit ensued, during which time it was determined that the 1996 Dodge Ram pick-up truck was stolen out of New Jersey.  The vehicle exited the Thruway and the pursuit ended when the driver struck an earth embankment in the area of Hillside Road and Ridge Street, in the city of Rye. 

The driver, Paul D. Grandmaison, 41, of Portland, ME, was determined to be intoxicated, had a suspended license, and was wanted out of the State of New Jersey for aggravated assault.  He was transported to White Plains Hospital by Port Chester EMS for minor injuries sustained in the crash, where he submitted to a blood test. 

Once treated and released, Grandmaison was transported to SP Tarrytown where he was processed as a Fugitive from Justice (out of State) and subsequently charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd degree; a Class D Felony, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd degree and Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree; both Class A Misdemeanors, and Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree; all Unclassified Misdemeanors.

Grandmaison was arraigned and remanded to Westchester County Jail.  He is due back in the City of Rye Court at a later date.

Stolen Pickup Truck Found In Water

April 27, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP-LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around noon today a pickup truck with a small trailer was found in the water in the Assunpink Creek off 5th Avenue and Assunpink Blvd. reported originally to be in Hamilton Township. Hamilton Township Fire Department and Police Departments responded and on arrival the vehicle was found in the water on the Lawrence Township side of the creek. Firefighters from Hamilton Township deployed boats to search for a possible victim but found out that the vehicle was dumped after being stolen. Hawks Towing and Recovery was on scene evaluating on how to remove the vehicle from the water.

Flight Plan For Operation “America Strong” For April 28, 2020 Released

April 27, 2020

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over New York City, Newark, Trenton and Philadelphia April 28. The flight plans have been released to the public this morning and can be viewed below.

See previous Stories on the event here:

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to Salute New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania COVID-19 Responders Tuesday April 28, 2020

President Donald J. Trump Announces “Operation America Strong” Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over Airshows Coming To A City Near You

Blue Angels and Thunderbird Combined Fly-By Event Is In “Planning Stage” – Will Not Be Today

Vail Resorts Announces 19/20 Pass Holder Credits And “EPIC Coverage” For 20/21 Season

Vail Resorts offers an “Epic Pass” season pass that allows access to many ski resort all around the world. There are several in the North East United States and sometimes covered on midjersey.news under the skiing / snowboarding section.

April 27, 2020

To honor the loyalty of our pass holders, this morning, Vail Resorts announced a comprehensive plan to address pass holders’ concerns about last season’s closures – and provide them with peace of mind for the future. Below is a letter to pass holders from Vail Resorts Chief Marketing Officer, Kirsten Lynch. For media, here is a quote from Kirsten: 

“Our pass holders are our most loyal guests and we have spent weeks reading their emails and comments on social media to fully understand their concerns so we could respond thoughtfully and carefully,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer at Vail Resorts. “What became clear is that to address last season, a one-sized-fits-all approach would not work. That is why we are providing our season pass holders credits based on the number of days they were able to use their pass. Additionally, while we are confident we will have a great upcoming ski and ride season, we understand some people may be nervous about committing to a pass now in this current uncertainty. With that in mind, we are redefining pass protection with our new ‘Epic Coverage,’ free for all pass holders, and extending our spring deadlines to Labor Day to give them the time they need. We truly hope this plan honors our pass holders’ loyalty and provides them peace of mind for future.”  
Dear Pass Holders,

Thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. We have been addressing the real-time challenges of COVID-19, focusing on the health and safety of our employees and communities. We have also been working on a comprehensive plan to address our pass holders’ concerns about this past season – and the future.

We have read all your emails and comments on social media. We have heard your two primary concerns: First, you are disappointed with last season’s closures. Second, you are worried about next season because of the current uncertainty.

To address these specific concerns, we are sharing a plan thatI hope honors your loyalty and provides you with peace of mind about the future:

  1. To Address Last Season:
    • Credits from 20% to 80% for Season Pass Holders
      We are providing credits to 2019-20 season pass holders, based on the price of their pass, to apply toward the purchase of a 2020-21 season pass of equal or greater value:  
      • A minimum credit of 20% for season pass holders, based on the resort closures in mid-March impacting about 20% of the core season
      • Higher credits for season pass holders who used their pass less than five days
      • A maximum credit of 80% if you did not use your season pass at all, because we recognize that some of you were waiting until spring to use your pass
         
    • Credits for Epic Day Pass, Whistler Blackcomb Edge Card and Multi-Pack Pass Holders
      For guests with remaining days on their 2019-20 Epic Day Pass, Edge Card or one of our other multi-pack pass products, we are providing a credit for each unused day, up to 80% of the price paid for your pass to apply toward a pass of equal or greater value for next season.
       
    • Your credit will be valid through Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020) because we understand that you may need time to decide on your plans for next season.
       
      This may seem complicated, but something simple would not address all the unique situations of our pass holders.  We will email you personally in the coming weeks to share your specific credit details and your promotion code, which you can use online starting May 13. If you renew your pass prior to receiving your promotion code, we will retroactively provide the credit value back to you. In the meantime, you can click here to use the tables to find your pass credit, see our FAQs, and review the terms and conditions.
       
  2. Looking Ahead to the 2020-21 Season:
    • New ‘Epic Coverage’ Protects You Next Season
      We are confident we will be enjoying a great upcoming ski and ride season, but we also understand that many pass holders are nervous about the future given the current uncertainty. With this in mind, we are launching ‘Epic Coverage’:
      • Epic Coverage is free for all pass holders and completely replaces the need to purchase pass insurance, which can cost up to $60 for other passes.
      • Epic Coverage provides for a refund if you have an eligible injury, job loss, or experience other personal events that prevent you from using your pass.
      • Epic Coverage also provides a refund for certain resort closures, including for events like COVID-19, giving you a refund for any portion of the season that is lost.
         
        We understand that times have changed so Epic Coverage completely redefines your pass protection. We value your loyalty and we want you to enjoy your pass knowing that we are standing behind our commitment to your peace of mind. Click here to learn more about Epic Coverage, see our FAQs and review the terms and conditions.
         
    • Savings All Season Long
      In March, we announced our new Epic Mountain Rewards, providing pass holders 20% off all mountain food & beverage, owned and operated lodging, group ski and ride lessons, equipment rentals and more at our North American resorts. No sign up. No points tracking. No blackout days. Just savings. Learn more about Epic Mountain Rewards here.
       
  3. The Time You Need:
    • Spring Deadlines Extended to Labor Day
      We do not want to rush your decision. We are eliminating our traditional spring purchase deadlines, giving you through Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020) to use your credit and to lock in 10 Buddy Tickets for next season. If uncertainty continues, we may reassess that deadline again as it gets closer.
       
    • Lowest Up-Front Cost
      If you want to lock in your pass, we want to provide you the lowest up-front cost during this challenging time. Right now the deposit for your pass for next season is only $49, significantly less than the deposit many other passes require. This offer will extend for the next few months.

My hope is that this plan demonstrates our commitment to honoring your loyalty, with credits of 20%-80% for last season, Epic Coverage for next season, and more time to make a decision.  We recognize that some people may ask why we did not provide 100% credits or cash refunds for last season. We capped our credits at 80% because our mountains were open and operating for the majority of the season and our passes could be used during that time. Regarding refunds, we recognize that our passes, and pass insurance, historically have not provided for refunds in situations like this, which is why we are introducing the new Epic Coverage.

Thank you for your loyalty. I am confident that our collective passion for the mountains will prevail and we will get through this together. I hope to see you on the mountain next season.  And most importantly, I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

Thank you, 

Kirsten Lynch 

EVP and Chief Marketing Officer

Vail Resorts

Robbinsville Honors 4 Time Purple Heart And Bronze Star Recipient Lt. Col. John Kapferer Who Passed On Apr. 17

April 26, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Council, with unanimous support from Mayor Dave Fried and Administration, passed Resolution 2020-13G Thursday honoring the extraordinary life of 4-time Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Lt. Col. John Kapferer.

The distinguished Army veteran and Chief Commander of American Legion Post 530 passed away April 17, 2020.

Our deepest, heartfelt condolences go out to all of John’s friends and family.
The Resolution can be read below.

Gordon Road Accident

April 26, 2020

8 pm update: Gordon Road has been reopened and will need to be shut again to replace pole when JCP&L crew is ready.

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A vehicle traveling on Gordon Road lost control and hit a utility pole and severing it off at the base this evening around 6:42 pm. The Robbinsville Township Police Department and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded to the single vehicle accident. The road was shut down and EMS transported the driver to a local hospital for treatment. The police and fire departments were still on scene waiting for JCP&L to arrive to repair the pole.

NJ Turnpike: Vehicle Fire That Was Towing Horse Trailer

April 26, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded to the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of the 64.5 North bound outer lanes mile marker for a vehicle fire at 3:30 pm. A Jeep pulling a horse trailer with a horse inside caught fire and was partly extinguished using a dry chemical extinguisher prior to the fire department arrival. Firefighters found some small areas of the vehicle that still needed further extinguishment and overhaul, any smoldering spots were snuffed. The horse trailer and vehicle were towed to a local shop for repairs. The horse in the trailer was ok and most likely will be spending the night at a local farm while vehicle is repaired to continue the journey.

Hightstown Fire Company and Hope Fire Company of Allentown also responded to the scene.

Upper Freehold Accident Causes Power Problems

April 26, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A vehicle traveling in the 200 Block of Route 526 “Trenton-Lakewood Road” near Rues Road lost control on a wet roadway and crashed into a utility pole. The accident occurred at 1:49 pm and causing the pole to break at the bottom and wires to catch fire at the top of the pole. The surge caused wide area power problems at several locations including Davis Station Road, Rt 524 near TSC, Old York Road and cause a power line to fail and transformer to catch fire on Sharon Station Road near the I-195 bridge.

Hope Fire Company of Allentown responded for a the accident with the utility pole on fire and the numerous other power issues. Currently Route 526 between Imlaystown Road and Rues is closed for the broken pole and wire fire. Sharon Station Road is closed between Route 524 and Route 526. Luckily no injures were reported in the accident.