May 13, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting West Windsor-Plainsboro North Knights boys lacrosse team lost their game at Robbinsville Ravens this afternoon. The final score was WWPN 5 Robbinsville 6.
Photo gallery:
Category: Robbinsville
May 13, 2021 –Updated again at 4:40 p.m.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–As we reported Saturday on the Colonial Pipeline that runs though New Jersey and supplies gasoline, diesel fuel and aircraft fuel to the eastern part of the country has announced that the entire pipeline should be operational by noon today. There is no need to hoard gasoline or other fuel and disrupt the local supply chain as seen and reported in other parts of the country.
Locally the pipeline runs though Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County on its way to Linden, New Jersey and was shut down to a ransomware cyber attack.
System Restart and Operational Update #2
Update: Thursday, May 13, 4:40 p.m.
Colonial Pipeline has continued to make substantial progress in safely restarting our pipeline system. We can now report that we have restarted our entire pipeline system and that product delivery has commenced to all markets we serve.
Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during this start-up period. Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal.
This would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the many Colonial team members across the pipeline who worked safely and tirelessly through the night to get our lines up and running. We are grateful for their dedicated service and professionalism during these extraordinary times.
See update below from the Colonial Pipeline:
Update: Thursday, May 13, 9 a.m.
Colonial Pipeline has made substantial progress in safely restarting our pipeline system and can report that product delivery has commenced in a majority of the markets we service. By mid-day today, we project that each market we service will be receiving product from our system. The green segments on this map are operational, meaning product delivery has commenced. Blue lines will be operational later today.
This would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the many Colonial team members across the pipeline who worked safely and tirelessly safely through the night to get our lines up and running. We are grateful for their dedicated service and professionalism during these extraordinary times.
Colonial Pipeline Company, founded in 1962, connects refineries – primarily located in the Gulf Coast – with customers and markets throughout the Southern and Eastern United States through a pipeline system that spans more than 5,500 miles. The company delivers refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and fuel for the U.S. Military. Colonial is committed to safety and environmental stewardship across its operations.
Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons or 2.5 million barrels per day. Colonial transports approximately 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast, providing refined products to more than 50 million Americans.
Specifically, Colonial transports various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel, and fuels for the U.S. military through a pipeline system. The system is connected refineries in the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. The majority of the system is underground, with tankage and other facilities at key receipt, storage and delivery points.
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
May 12, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MECER)–As reports were coming in of gas stations running out of gas in the south east United States from the hoarding of gasoline and other fuel products the Colonial Pipeline announced the restart of of the pipeline after a ransomware cyber attack. The company states that it may take several days for the delivery supply chain to return to normal. See press releases from Colonial Pipeline below for the latest updates.
Wednesday, May 12, 5:10 p.m.
Colonial Pipeline initiated the restart of pipeline operations today at approximately 5 p.m. ET.
Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period. Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal.
As we initiate our return to service, our primary focus remains safety. As part of this startup process, Colonial will conduct a comprehensive series of pipeline safety assessments in compliance with all Federal pipeline safety requirements.
This is the first step in the restart process and would not have been possible without the around-the-clock support of Colonial Pipeline’s dedicated employees who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve this milestone. We would also like to thank the White House for their leadership and collaboration, as well as the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, FBI, PHMSA, FERC and other federal, state and local agencies for their ongoing support.
We will continue to provide updates as restart efforts progress.
###
Tuesday, May 11, 5:15 p.m.
Colonial Pipeline continues to make forward progress in our around-the-clock efforts to return our system to service, with additional laterals operating manually to deliver existing inventories to markets along the pipeline. Markets experiencing supply constraints and/or not serviced by other fuel delivery systems are being prioritized. We are collaborating with the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate market conditions to support this prioritization.
Since our pipeline system was taken offline, working with our shippers, Colonial has delivered approximately 967,000 barrels (~41 million gallons) to various delivery points along our system. This includes delivery into the following markets: Atlanta, Ga., Belton and Spartanburg, S.C., Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C., Baltimore, Md., and Woodbury and Linden N.J.
Additionally, in preparation for our system restart, we have taken delivery of an additional 2 million barrels (~84 million gallons) from refineries for deployment upon restart.
Consistent with our safety policies and regulatory requirements, Colonial has increased aerial patrols of our pipeline right of way and deployed more than 50 personnel to walk and drive ~ 5,000 miles of pipeline each day.
Actions taken by the Federal Government to issue a temporary hours of service exemption for motor carriers and drivers transporting refined products across Colonial’s footprint and actions taken by several Governors to lift weight restrictions on tanker trucks should help alleviate local supply disruptions. This is in addition to the Reid Vapor Pressure wavier issued today by the U.S. EPA that will also help alleviate supply constraints in several states serviced by our system. We would like to thank the White House for their leadership and collaboration in resolving this matter as well as the DOE, PHMSA, FERC and other federal agencies for their ongoing support.
Our primary focus remains the safe and efficient restoration of service to our pipeline system, while minimizing disruption to our customers and all those who rely on Colonial Pipeline. We will continue to provide updates as restoration efforts progress.
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
May 12, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS, and Bordentown Township Firefighters responded to the NJ Turnpike north bound at mile marker 57.2 for a motor vehicle accident. NJ State Police were on scene requesting paramedics for advanced life support. Robbinsville Township EMS and Capital Health Paramedics transported the victim to the local hospital. No further information is available.
May 11, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–This morning FBI Spokesperson Doreen A. Holder, told MidJersey.news in a statement: “The FBI is there on court authorized law enforcement activity. No further comment.” when asked about the FBI and other law enforcement activity at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located at 112 N Main St. in the township.
At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir FBI agents in unmarked vehicles could be seen leaving and entering the compound. Four large tour busses with what appeared to be workers were leaving the Mandir along with an Monmouth County EMS Taskforce Bus. Up to five of ambulances were also seen at the gate according to witnesses.
Law enforcement sources would not say what they were looking for in the activities at the property.
About the same time as the law enforcement activity at BAPS a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court District of New Jersey with several allegations against the the religious organization over labor practices.
According to the complaint, after being trafficked to the U.S. under false pretenses, the workers’ passports were confiscated, and they were forced to live and work in a fenced, guarded compound. They were not allowed to leave the grounds unaccompanied, and they were under constant monitoring, threats of being fined for infractions, and arrest.
Plaintiffs allege that the trafficked workers were forced to work 12-13 hours a day with only rare days off, performing arduous and sometimes dangerous work for approximately 31,000 – 35,000 rupees (approximately $425 – $450 USD) per month, or less than $1.20 per hour.
See full lawsuit below for details.
On April 30, 2021 New Jersey Department of Labor issued a Stop Work Order for Newark-based Cunha’s Construction Inc. was ordered to halt work at current and future projects for the duration of the order, which will remain in effect until the contractor complies with state wage and hour laws and all outstanding back wages and penalties have been paid.
The NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour Compliance conducted site visits at two of the company’s current worksites, BAPS Temple in Robbinsville and BAPS Temple in Edison, after learning of the projects from workers. These inspections found the contractor was paying workers in cash off the books and did not have workers’ compensation insurance.
Other violations involve the misclassification of construction workers by paying them in cash off the books, failure to pay overtime, failure to keep records, hindrance of the investigation, and unpaid or late paid wages. See press release below for full details.
A BAPS representative Matthew Frankel of MDF Strategies told MidJersey.news “We were first made aware of the accusations early Tuesday morning, we are taking them very seriously and are thoroughly reviewing the issues raised.”
This is sill a developing story follow MidJersey.news for the latest.
A emailed statement John Nalbone from Robbinsville Township Office of Communications & Public Information said, “Based upon media reports, the Township was made aware of federal law enforcement activity this morning on the BAPS property located in Robbinsville. The Township’s jurisdiction over the property is limited to land use and Uniform Construction Code (UCC) matters. At no time in approving BAPS’s land use applications, or in conducting UCC inspections on the property, did Robbinsville Township officials witness, or become aware of any labor issues that may have been present. The Township was aware of temporary housing on the site and conducted inspections of that housing in April and June of 2020, until in-person inspections were suspended due to COVID-19. As to not interfere with this ongoing federal investigation, the Township will have no further comment.”
Press release provided from the law firms of the class action lawsuit:
Class Action Lawsuit filed in NJ again Major Hindu Temple
Today, workers’ rights attorneys filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Indian workers who were trafficked and faced rampant wage theft and shocking abuses by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Inc. (“BAPS”), reportedly the largest Hindu temple in the United States.
In addition to the six named plaintiffs – Mukesh Kumar, Keshav Kumar, Devi Laal, Niranjan, Pappu, Brajendra – the case, Kumar v. Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Inc., is brought on behalf of approximately 200 other Indian nationals who have worked at the temple. According to the complaint, after being trafficked to the U.S. under false pretenses, the workers’ passports were confiscated, and they were forced to live and work in a fenced, guarded compound. They were not allowed to leave the grounds unaccompanied, and they were under constant monitoring, threats of being fined for infractions, and arrest.
Plaintiffs allege that the trafficked workers were forced to work 12-13 hours a day with only rare days off, performing arduous and sometimes dangerous work for approximately 31,000 – 35,000 rupees (approximately $425 – $450 USD) per month, or less than $1.20 per hour.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey by attorneys Patricia Kakalec of Kakalec Law PLLC, Daniel Werner of Radford & Keebaugh, LLC, and Andrew Glenn of Jaffe Glenn Law Group, P.A., outlines the defendants’ violations of federal and state laws including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (“TVPA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), and New Jersey wage and hour laws. Besides BAPS, defendants in the case are BAPS Mercer LLC, BAPS Robbinsville LLC., BAPS Fellowship Services, Inc., Bharat Doe a/k/a Bharat Bhai, Pankaj Patel, Kanu Patel, and Swami Prasanand.
“This is a horrific case of worker exploitation and it is even more disturbing that it has gone on for years in New Jersey behind the temple’s walls,” said Werner. “These workers were coerced through lies to come to the United States to work and then suffered tremendously – they were basically forced into servitude.”
The plaintiffs were brought to the United States under R-1 or religious visas, which are available to those who minister or who work in a religious vocation or occupation, but the workers solely performed manual labor.
“These workers came to work in New Jersey to earn wages and help their families,” says Kakalec. “They were taken advantage of and cheated out of millions of dollars in wages. They deserve justice.”
Swati Sawant, an attorney for individuals who worked in the temple, says: “These individuals have suffered greatly – financially as a result of the wage theft, physically as a result of the grueling work they were forced to undertake, and mentally as a result of being forced for stay within the temple compound for months, and for many, years. They are brave for standing up for their rights.”
The lawsuit seeks the workers’ unpaid wages, an award of money for other damages, and a court order preventing the defendants from continuing to violate the law.
A copy of the complaint can be viewed HERE.
Radford & Keebaugh, LLC. is a Georgia based law firm focused on civil rights and employment litigation specializing in areas such as employment discrimination, wage and hour violations, constitutional claims including false arrest and malicious prosecution, sexual harassment, Americans with Disabilities Act, and whistleblower retaliation.
For more information, visit: https://decaturlegal.com.
Kakalec Law PLLC is a New York based law firm which represents employees in wage and hour, discrimination, and other employment matters, and also represents individuals with disabilities in civil rights and access matters. For more information, visit: https://kakaleclaw.com.
Jaffe Glenn Law Group PA is a New Jersey and New York based law firm which represents employees specializing in overtime claims, minimum wage violation cases, as well as other employment related cases. For more information visit https://jaffeglenn.com.
NJDOL Issues Stop-Work Order Against Construction Contractor, Halting All Current and Future Work
April 30, 2021
TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has issued a company-wide stop-work order to Cunha’s Construction Inc. and owner Nuno Cunha based on repeated and ongoing violations of state wage and hour laws. This is the first time the NJDOL has used its authority to pause all work by a single entity rather than on a per project basis.
Newark-based Cunha’s Construction Inc. was ordered to halt work at current and future projects for the duration of the order, which will remain in effect until the contractor complies with state wage and hour laws and all outstanding back wages and penalties have been paid.
The NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour Compliance conducted site visits at two of the company’s current worksites, BAPS Temple in Robbinsville and BAPS Temple in Edison, after learning of the projects from workers. These inspections found the contractor was paying workers in cash off the books and did not have workers’ compensation insurance.
Other violations involve the misclassification of construction workers by paying them in cash off the books, failure to pay overtime, failure to keep records, hindrance of the investigation, and unpaid or late paid wages.
The company has eight unpaid judgments for back wages and penalties dating back to 2007 that have not been resolved by way of compliance or restitution to workers. In addition, NJDOL concluded the company was not paying its workers on numerous job sites and was not maintaining proper payroll for any projects across the state.
“With the authority to issue stop-work notices, we can better protect workers from bad actors who repeatedly skirt the law,” said Assistant Commissioner Joseph Petrecca of the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance. “Now more than ever, it is important to keep our workers safe, and ensure they are treated fairly.”
The NJDOL first served the company-wide stop-work order to Cunha’s Construction Inc. on April 1, upon which owner Nuno Cunha appealed the decision to the director of NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour Compliance through his attorney. The NJDOL was represented during the appeal process by Section Chief and Deputy Attorney General Peter A. Basso and Deputy Attorney General Micauri Vargas of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Law, Affirmative Civil Rights & Labor Section. After the presentation of evidence and witness testimony, the appeal determination upheld the actions of the NJDOL.
“This stop-work order from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is the first of its kind under a law signed by Governor Murphy to strengthen our ability to enforce the state’s labor laws,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “The message to employers should be clear: We are committed to using all of the tools at our disposal to protect New Jersey’s workers.”
As of July 2019, the NJDOL has the authority to require any employer to cease business operations when significant pay, benefits, or other workers’ rights violations are documented. As Cunha’s Construction Inc. is not a registered public works contractor, the department previously had few options to ensure compliance and payment of restitution.
For more information on New Jersey’s wage and hour laws, please visit myworkrights.nj.gov.
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
It was reported that on August 17, 2017 a fatal accident occurred where a 15 year old “volunteer” at the temple was killed in a 45 foot fall. Rescue personnel from Robbinsville Township arrived and performed CPR on the 15 year old and was later pronounced dead at RWJ University Hospital in Hamilton. OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened and investigation and closed the investigation on August 23, 2017 with no notes listed available from the OSHA website. You can access that information at the link below:
https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1255956.015
| Inspection: 1255956.015 – Baps Northeast Development, Inc |
| Inspection Information – Office: Marlton | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nr: 1255956.015 | Report ID: 0213900 | Open Date: 08/17/2017 | ||
| Baps Northeast Development, Inc | ||||
| 112 N Main Street Robbinsville, NJ 08691 | Union Status: NonUnion | |||
| SIC: | ||||
| NAICS: 236220/Commercial and Institutional Building Construction | ||||
| Mailing: 112 N Main Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 | ||||
| Inspection Type: | Referral | |||
| Scope: | No Insp/Other | Advanced Notice: | N | |
| Ownership: | Private | |||
| Safety/Health: | Safety | Close Conference: | 08/23/2017 | |
| Emphasis: | L:Fall | Close Case: | 08/23/2017 | |
| Related Activity: | Type | ID | Safety | Health |
| Accident | 1254250 | |||
| Referral | 1254231 | Yes |
| Case Status: CLOSED |
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May 11, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–This morning around 8:00 am it is reported that Homeland Security and the FBI were conducting law enforcement activity at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville Hindu Temple.
FBI Spokesperson Doreen A. Holder, told MidJersey.news in a statement: “The FBI is there on court authorized law enforcement activity. No further comment.”
There is no word why the FBI and Homeland Security is on scene. This is a developing story please check MidJersey.news for additional details as they are released.
Move slider to 3:41 for President Joe Biden’s remarks on the Colonial Pipeline.
May 10, 2021
Update — Monday, May 10, 12:25 p.m.
Colonial Pipeline continues to dedicate vast resources to restoring pipeline operations quickly and safely. Segments of our pipeline are being brought back online in a stepwise fashion, in compliance with relevant federal regulations and in close consultation with the Department of Energy, which is leading and coordinating the Federal Government’s response.
Restoring our network to normal operations is a process that requires the diligent remediation of our systems, and this takes time. In response to the cybersecurity attack on our system, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems. To restore service, we must work to ensure that each of these systems can be brought back online safely.
While this situation remains fluid and continues to evolve, the Colonial operations team is executing a plan that involves an incremental process that will facilitate a return to service in a phased approach. This plan is based on a number of factors with safety and compliance driving our operational decisions, and the goal of substantially restoring operational service by the end of the week. The Company will provide updates as restoration efforts progress.
We continue to evaluate product inventory in storage tanks at our facilities and others along our system and are working with our shippers to move this product to terminals for local delivery. Actions taken by the Federal Government to issue a temporary hours of service exemption for motor carriers and drivers transporting refined products across Colonial’s footprint should help alleviate local supply disruptions and we thank our government partners for their assistance in resolving this matter.
Our primary focus continues to be the safe and efficient restoration of service to our pipeline system, while minimizing disruption to our customers and all those who rely on Colonial Pipeline. We appreciate the patience of the traveling public and the support we have received from the Federal Government and our peers throughout the industry.
The FBI confirms that the Darkside ransomware is responsible for the compromise of the Colonial Pipeline networks. We continue to work with the company and our government partners on the investigation.
REGIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION
UNDER 49 CFR § 390.23
No. 2021-002
ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, AND VIRGINIA
In accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR § 390.23, the Regional Field Administrators for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Eastern, Southern, and Western Service Centers hereby declares that an emergency exists that warrants issuance of a Regional Emergency Declaration and an exemption from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSRs), except as otherwise restricted in this Emergency Declaration. Such emergency is in response to the unanticipated shutdown of the Colonial pipeline system due to network issues that affect the supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products throughout the Affected States. This Declaration addresses the emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products and provides necessary relief. Affected States and jurisdictions included in this Emergency Declaration (“Affected States”) are: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
By execution of this Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in the Affected States in direct support of relief efforts related to the shortages of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products due to the shutdown, partial shutdown, and/or manual operation of the Colonial pipeline system are granted relief from Parts 390 through 399 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations except as restricted herein.
This Emergency Declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products into the Affected States during the emergency from shortages due to the shutdown, partial shutdown, and/or manual operation of the Colonial pipeline system. Direct assistance terminates when a driver or commercial motor vehicle is used in interstate commerce to transport cargo or provide services not in support of emergency relief efforts related to the shortages of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products due to the shutdown, partial shutdown, and/or manual operation of the Colonial pipeline system in the Affected States, or when the motor carrier dispatches a driver or commercial motor vehicle to another location to begin operations in commerce. (49 CFR § 390.23(b)). Upon termination of direct assistance to emergency relief efforts related to the shortages of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products due to the shutdown, partial shutdown and/or manual operation of the Colonial pipeline system in the Affected States, the motor carrier and driver are subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399, except that a driver may return empty to the motor carrier’s terminal or the driver’s normal work reporting location without complying with Parts 390 through 399. When a driver is moving from emergency relief efforts to normal operations a 10-hour break is required when the total time a driver operates conducting emergency relief efforts, or a combination of emergency relief and normal operation, equals 14 hours.
All other applicable safety requirements remain in place and will be enforced by the FMCSA. Specifically, nothing contained in this Emergency Declaration shall be construed as an exemption from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382), the commercial driver’s license requirements (49 CFR Part 383), the financial responsibility (insurance) requirements (49 CFR Part 387), the hazardous material regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-180), applicable size and weight requirements, or any other portion of the regulations not specifically authorized pursuant to 49 CFR § 390.23.
Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to an out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by this declaration until they have met the applicable conditions for its rescission and the order has been rescinded by FMCSA.
In accordance with 49 CFR § 390.23, this declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), June 8, 2021, whichever is earlier. FMCSA intends to continually review the status of this Emergency Declaration and may take action to modify or terminate the Emergency Declaration sooner if conditions warrant.
Taft Kelly, Regional Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Eastern Service Center
Darrell L. Ruban, Regional Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Southern Service Center
Scott G. Hernandez, Regional Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Western Service Center
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
Update — Sunday, May 9, 2021
On May 7, 2021 Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack and has since determined that the incident involved ransomware. Quickly after learning of the attack, Colonial proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat. These actions temporarily halted all pipeline operations and affected some of our IT systems, which we are actively in the process of restoring.
Leading, third-party cybersecurity experts were also immediately engaged after discovering the issue and launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident. We have remained in contact with law enforcement and other federal agencies, including the Department of Energy who is leading the Federal Government response.
Maintaining the operational security of our pipeline, in addition to safely bringing our systems back online, remain our highest priorities. Over the past 48 hours, Colonial Pipeline personnel have taken additional precautionary measures to help further monitor and protect the safety and security of its pipeline.
The Colonial Pipeline operations team is developing a system restart plan. While our mainlines (Lines 1, 2, 3 and 4) remain offline, some smaller lateral lines between terminals and delivery points are now operational. We are in the process of restoring service to other laterals and will bring our full system back online only when we believe it is safe to do so, and in full compliance with the approval of all federal regulations.
At this time, our primary focus continues to be the safe and efficient restoration of service to our pipeline system, while minimizing disruption to our customers and all those who rely on Colonial Pipeline. We appreciate the patience and outpouring of support we have received from others throughout the industry.
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
May 8, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting Allentown High School boys lacrosse team scored 10 goals and Robbinsville scored 8 during this afternoon’s game.
Photo gallery:
May 8, 2021 –Updated
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Colonial Pipeline the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily to meet the energy needs of consumers from Houston, Texas to the New York Harbor was shut down to a sever cyber attack as announced this morning. The attack has taken certain IT systems off line and the pipeline is working to restore the pipeline to normal operation. The pipeline moves 2.5 million barrels per day providing gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel to all major airports in region and fuel for the military though the pipeline system.
Locally the pipeline runs from the south though Burlington (Bordentown, Joint Base), Mercer County (Hamilton, Robbinsville-East Windsor), Middlesex (Cranbury, Monroe, South Brunswick), Union County (Linden).
Statement from Colonial Pipeline:
On May 7, the Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems. Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged, and they have already launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident, which is ongoing. We have contacted law enforcement and other federal agencies.
Colonial Pipeline is taking steps to understand and resolve this issue. At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation. This process is already underway, and we are working diligently to address this matter and to minimize disruption to our customers and those who rely on Colonial Pipeline.
Media Statement Updated: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Updated — Saturday, May 8, 12:30 p.m.
On May 7, the Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. We have since determined that this incident involves ransomware. In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems. Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged, and they have launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident, which is ongoing. We have contacted law enforcement and other federal agencies.
Colonial Pipeline is taking steps to understand and resolve this issue. At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation. This process is already underway, and we are working diligently to address this matter and to minimize disruption to our customers and those who rely on Colonial Pipeline.
According to the Colonial Pipeline website the “Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons or 2.5 million barrels per day. Colonial transports approximately 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast, providing refined products to more than 50 million Americans.
Specifically, Colonial transports various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel, and fuels for the U.S. military through a pipeline system. The system is connected refineries in the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. The majority of the system is underground, with tankage and other facilities at key receipt, storage and delivery points.”
Related MidJersey.news coverage on Colonial Pipeline incident here:
Update: Colonial Pipeline System Disruption
Cyber Attack Shuts Down Colonial Pipeline
The last time the Colonial Pipeline had an issue in the area was on October 3, 2008 in Hamilton Township Mercer County near Allentown-Yardville Road at the NJ Turnpike. A crew doing soil borings for the NJ Turnpike widening project drilled into the Colonial Pipeline causing an oil spill. Hamilton Township Fire Department and the Hamilton Township Hazardous Materials Team responded to the incident.
May 5, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township April 2021 Police Blotter:
- DWI
Date: April 1, 2021
Time: 0056
Location: Hutchinson Road
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Mark Pasierb Age 57
Robbinsville, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane
Open Container of Alcohol
Charged and released pending Court.
- DWI
Date: April 2, 2021
Time: 0102
Location: Andover Place
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Gabriel Hernandez Age 20
Hamilton, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane
Charged and released pending Court.
- Burglary/Theft
Date: April 11, 2021
Time: 1108
Location: A&M Market
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Kevin Corrigan
Victim reported that during overnight hours an unknown person(s) removed between $15,000-$20,000 in landscape and power equipment from a locked trailer on the property.
- Trespassing
Date: April 12, 2021
Time: 1804
Location: Trails End Motel
Reporting Officer: Patrolman James Pica
Accused: Keasia McCoy Age 54
Lawrence, NJ
Charged: Trespassing
Charged and transported to Mercer County Workhouse on Contempt Charges
- Burglary/Theft
Date: April 19, 2021
Time: 0822
Location: 19 Woodside Road
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Kevin Corrigan
Victim reported a pressure washer, several catalytic converters and a vehicle removed from his business.
- Theft/Burglary
Date: April 21, 2021
Time:1222
Location: Jersey Strong
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Allison Ricci
Accused: Jordan Iturrey Age 26
Elizabeth, NJ
Charged: Theft
Burglary
Trespassing
Charged and released pending Court
- Hindering Apprehension
Date: April 25, 2021
Time: 1420
Location: I-195
Reporting Officer: Patrolman Thomas Septak
Accused: Wayne Morris Age 33
Trenton, NJ
Charged: Eluding
Obstruction
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle
Careless Driving
Unlicensed Driver
Charged and released pending Court.
- Narcotics
Date: April 28, 2021
Time: 1435
Location: I-195
Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet
Accused: Joseph Sawyer Age 54
Hamilton, NJ
Charged: Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
CDS in a Motor Vehicle
Unregistered Vehicles
Charged and released pending Court.
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.
May 2, 2021
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Last night May 1, 2012 around 11:40 pm the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to a accident near the 65 mile marker for an accident with injuries. It appears that a vehicle was traveling south bound in the outer lanes and suffered significant heavy front end and other damage. Once the fire department and EMS arrived it was determined that the occupant did not want transport to the hospital. No other information is available about the accident. The right lane and shoulder was closed until the vehicle could be towed away causing about a 1/2 mile backup for a short time.
April 30, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township celebrated Arbor Day 2021 with tree plantings at Miry Run.
Robbinsville Administration, Recreation, EDAC, Community Development and the Department of Public Works celebrate Arbor Day with the planting of three Japanese Lilac Trees at Miry Run today. Robbinsville was named a Tree City USA Community for the 10th straight time earlier this month with close to 13,000 trees planted during that time.
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April 30, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried announced this morning he will seek a 5th term in office as mayor. The announcement was posted via Facebook the entire post is below:
Mayor Dave Fried:
When the time came to decide whether or not to run for another term as your mayor after the year we just endured together, the real questions were:
How do we do better?
How can we be better?
How can I be better, both as your mayor and as a person?
What I’ve learned is those questions cannot be answered from the sidelines, at least not for me.
That is why I am once again running for mayor this November 2.
Calling the past 14 months an adventure would minimize the devastation and misery COVID-19 continues to leave in its wake, including the longer-term effects we are still unaware of. We need to underscore the miles upon miles we must still travel to end systemic racism, bigotry and violence toward all people of color, while bringing to justice each and every person who plots to harm or disrupt our democracy and one another – both at home and abroad.
Hanging up the cleats as mayor, while tempting with my children becoming independent young men and women of their own and the promise of more down time with my wife, Kathryn, was never really an option with the amount of work still left to be done.
Seeing this pandemic through and making sure our business community has the tools it needs to rebound and thrive still causes me sleepless nights. I am so very thankful for my staff, and the unwavering support of Township Council. None of what I accomplish could be possible without them.
Other major projects still on my radar is the construction of a new police station and Municipal Court. This will be a very large undertaking. We hope to make it the first joint court facility in Mercer County by partnering with a neighboring town, and I want to be here to see it through.
Saying I am excited about the potential and passive recreation possibilities at Miry Run is an understatement. The wheels have been in motion for months thanks to input we have received from residents, staff and our professionals. I also look forward to finishing Town Center South, where Freedom Village (Project Freedom) currently stands proudly as an anchor.
It has been the honor and a privilege to serve as your mayor, and I want nothing more than the opportunity to take on that challenge again if you, the residents, will have me.
Thank you for all of your support these many years. Every single time I have asked this community to step up, it has beyond my wildest expectations. This community drives the direction of our future. I am merely its temporary steward.
My staff exemplifies public service. They care about every facet of this Township, and I could not take on the challenge of running again without them at my side and giving me the energy to do more.
There are many things I could highlight, such as nine straight years of flat/reduced municipal taxes, or the best open space record in Mercer County. I could tout our public safety record, groundbreaking police training facility, our incredible diversity, investments in infrastructure, rising property values, or the approximately $350,000 we have generated in philanthropy through our “Pay it Forward” initiatives since 2015. Yet, what matters most of all is making sure you and your families are safe, happy and prosperous with opportunities to grow.
I am extremely proud of our history and that despite all of our differences, we always seem to find a way to come together for the common good. Thank you for always being there for one another. And for me.
See you at the polls on November 2, and may God Bless you all.
April 24, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting Robbinsville Ravens with 16 goals at Steinert Spartans with 1 goal final score. Photo Gallery:
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
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April 23, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)-The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with a fatal motor vehicle crash investigation that occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike on April 22.
Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that at approximately 9:22 p.m., a tractor trailer loaded with watermelons was traveling northbound in the inner roadway. In the area of milepost 60.3 in Robbinsville Township, the driver ran off the right side of the roadway, traveled through the guardrail, and struck a concrete bridge support. As a result, the male driver and male passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Detective Matthew Schaible at 609-860-9000 ext. 4424. Anonymous tips are welcome.
April 23, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried presented the 2021 municipal budget of $25,920,553.33 to Township Council Thursday featuring a flat or reduced tax rate for the ninth consecutive year.
The 2021 rate would remain steady at 51.8 cents per $100 of assessed value (also 51.8 in 2019 and 2020), with the average assessed home in Robbinsville valued at $378,500. A penny in the Robbinsville tax rate is worth $264,254.59.
Among the key investments is $200,000 ($600,000 over three years) to join the Mercer County Police Radio System, which will expand coverage to ensure officer safety. The current system is at the end of its useful life and the new system will allow immediate communication ability with other municipal, county and state agencies. If the Mercer County Rapid Response partnership is activated, the RTPD’s new radios will provide interoperability with other responding agencies.
Other allocations include $1.67 million for water main improvements at Newtown Village, approximately $2 million to construct an all-purpose recreation facility near the old pool at Miry Run, $220,000 to expand the existing and very popular volleyball courts at the Municipal Complex behind the library and funding for a new all-abilities playground at Tantum Park. As part of a three-year project, $350,000 from the open space fund has been allocated for walking and biking paths, along with other elements at Miry Run. Funds also have been earmarked for additional affordable housing programs and road restoration projects, including the completion of Voelbel Road and the developments at Hillside and Windswept.
Now that Mayor Fried has presented the budget the governing body has time to review, ask questions and make changes (by motion at a meeting) if necessary. Council will then vote to introduce the budget, either at the same meeting or at a later date. A public hearing on the budget is required to be held not less than 28 days after the introduction of the budget at a Council meeting. During or after the public hearing, Council can vote on additional changes (via resolution). A second public hearing would only be required for significant changes, per State guidelines. Council can then vote to adopt the budget, with the approval from the NJ Division of Local Government Services.
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ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Pfizer Vaccination for Eligible Teens April 27-29 The West Windsor Health Department is partnering with Hamilton Township, Princeton and Olden Pharmacy to offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals 16 and 17 years of age who live, work or attend school in West Windsor, Robbinsville or Hightstown.
These mini clinics will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, Wednesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 29. Appointments are required and parents or guardians must attend the clinic. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the Health Department at 609-936-8400 or email vaccine@westwindsortwp.com
April 23, 2021
Update from NJSP:
Sgt. Philip Curry of the NJ State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 9:22pm (yesterday April 22, 2021) on the NJ Turnpike northbound on the inner roadway MP 60.3 in Robbinsville Twp., Mercer County. Preliminary investigation revealed a Peterbilt tractor pulling a semi-trailer loaded with watermelons was traveling north in the inner roadway of the NJTPK. The Peterbilt ran off the road to the right and impacted the guardrail and a concrete bridge support. The male driver was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. A male passenger in the truck also sustained fatal injuries.
The right lane of the northbound inner roadway was closed for approximately six hours and the north outer roadway was closed prior to the crash for construction. Moderate traffic congestion resulted. The crash remains under investigation and there is no further information at this time.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville and Bordentown Township Fire Departments along with EMS were dispatched to a horrific crash involving a tractor trailer into a bridge at 9:38 pm. The crash occurred on the north bound inner roadway (car lanes) when a tractor trailer carrying watermelons crashed into the bridge support for the Edgebrook Road Bridge just prior to Exit 7A. Unfortunately two people reportedly died in the crash according to witnesses. The impact was so severe that watermelons were thrown onto the deck of the Edgebrook Road bridge. Robbinsville firefighters remained on scene until around 1:30 am as they stood by to assist the NJ State Police in the accident investigation. It was unclear if there is any structural damage to the bridge.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Troopers are investigating a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred at 9:22 pm on the NJ Turnpike northbound on the inner roadway at MP 60.3 in Robbinsville. Preliminary information revealed a truck carrying watermelons struck a bridge. Only the left shoulder of the inner roadway northbound is getting by. No further information is available at this time.
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ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Students from the Robbinsville High School Class of 2021 are participating in the 11th Annual “U Got Brains Champion Schools Program,” sponsored by the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. Students participating in this annual program have been tasked with creating a peer-drive campaign that demonstrates safe driving.
This year Robbinsville High School has directed their campaign’s focus on the dangers of distracted driving. Through their research, students learned that cell phone and texting laws are only effective when paired with high-visibility enforcement efforts, such as the use of electronic signs. As a result, the students created a campaign focused on implementing these high-visibility enforcement efforts.
The first implementation was aided by the Robbinsville Police Department who displayed the slogan “If you’re texting, who’s driving” on several electronic signs throughout the township. This slogan was the winning submission of a schoolwide competition that kicked off this year’s campaign.
In conjunction with April being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, students created videos to increase the visibility of their campaign messaging. The first video was a student-created public service announcement reminding their peers to “Just Drive,” which also served as an entry into the New Jersey Manufacturers “Just Drive” competition. An additional 18 short videos stating a statistic about distracted driving and including the campaign slogan were made and aired during the daily announcements at the high school.
In an effort to expand our viewing audience beyond the high school and Robbinsville community, the students teamed up with The TV Truck to transport their big messages of safe driving to a big screen shown throughout the region and across state lines. The truck will be traveled around Mercer and Bucks counties on April 19th, stopping at RHS to show a series of short videos about driving and ride-share safety.
Later that evening, there was a parent-student virtual presentation called Share The Keys, presented by NJM Insurance Group. Students wanted to be sure that parents were included in their campaign as parental involvement aids in reducing teen driving crashes.
The students would like to thank Brain Injury Alliance for allowing them to participate in this year’s competition, as well as The TV Truck, Robbinsville C.A.R.E. Coalition, Just Between Friends Mercer County, and the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation for their generous donations and support in helping to implement high-visibility enforcement efforts aimed at reducing distracted driving. The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was started by the Robbinsville Josephson family, whose daughter Samantha, a former RHS graduate, was brutally murdered when she was targeted by a person posing as a rideshare driver in 2019. Her parents’ mission is to educate everyone on rideshare safety.
At the conclusion of the U Got Brains program, three winning schools will be selected by a panel of judges to receive a grand-prize of $10,000 cash donated to their school by Founding Sponsor, NJM Insurance Group. The program is fortunate to have a group of community safety leaders who have chosen to support these efforts through sponsorship, including New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, State Farm Insurance, National Road Safety Foundation, Allstate, Volvo, Nikhil Badlani Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Teen Safe Driving Coalition, New Jersey Education Association, and AAA.
April 23, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Parents of Robbinsville High School seniors have taken up the challenge to provide memorable experiences for the graduating Class of 2021. Throughout the year in this small, close-knit Mercer county town, parents created memory-making moments for the approximately 250 seniors finishing out their high school careers in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. On Monday, April 19, a group of parents along with the help of the senior class installed the words “CLASS OF 2021” on the chain-link fence at the high school tennis court called the Fence of Hope. Also, they provided hundreds of school colored ribbons for the students to write notes on and tie to the fence to complete the project as a physical reminder to the graduating class that memories are made in many different ways.
April 20, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Police and the Robbinsville Fire Department were dispatched to the area of 44 Tindall Road for an accident with wires down at 12:29 am. Upon arrival of police and fire units there were no reported injures. Police reported wires and a pole down and the road will be closed until repairs are made. A tow company will be on scene removing the vehicle involved but the road will be closed until the wires are out of the roadway. Roadway is closed between Wildflower Trail and Regan Lane.
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April 18, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded to a car fire on the NJ Turnpike west bound between Exit 6 and Exit 7 at 7:57 pm. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the car fire quickly. Traffic was backed up temporarily for about a mile in the west bound direction. No further information is available.
April 18, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department, EMS and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to the NJ Turnpike South Bound at the Richard Stockton 6S Service Area Ramp for a motorcycle accident at 2:53 pm. Upon arrival Fire and EMS found one minor injury that was treated at the scene. It was reported a car hit a motorcycle on the rest area ramp. No further information is available.
Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Township for 10th Time
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Arbor Day Foundation once again recognized Robbinsville Township as a “Tree City USA” Community for the 10th time in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The Township will commemorate the honor with the planting of three more trees on Friday, April 30, 2021 outside the Miry Run Recreation Building, located at 66 Sharon Road. The event is open to the public with social distancing rules in effect.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. More than 3,400 cities and towns have been recognized as a Tree City USA community. Robbinsville, which has planted nearly 13,000 trees over the past eight years, again met the program’s four requirements:
* Tree board or department
* Tree care ordinance
* Annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per-capita
* Arbor Day observance and Proclamation
Robbinsville initially gained 5,771 new trees from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in the spring of 2015 to make up for the nearly 115 acres of forested land the Township ceded for the turnpike expansion. The installment is the remaining 7,000 trees were spaced out over the subsequent three years and were worth $3.4 million.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA
April 15, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Events for 2021 have been announced in Robbinsville:
C.A.R.E Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday June 19, 2021
Robbinsville Community Day Festival will be held on Saturday September 18, 2021
State of Robbinsville Township-Pay It Forward event to be held Tuesday October 5, 2021
April 15, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–BAPS Charites has made a donation of list of items to help a family that lost their home in a fire recently in Robbinsville, see information below:
BAPS has been saddened by the devastating house fire a few days ago in Robbinsville. We thought a lot about how we can help the family in the most meaningful way. After a lot of contemplation, we decided to give the family a long list of items for their daily needs and essential to get back in routine life. A list of items below.
List of items donated:
16 piece dinnerware set (2 sets)
53 piece flatware set
22 piece pyrex storage set
Can opener
Whisk
Set of 10 Wooden spoons and spatulas
Pizza cutter
Oven Mita
Lemon squeezer
3 piece mesh strainer
3 piece mixing bowl set
Measuring cups
Measuring jugs
Peeler
Salt and pepper shaker
Grater
Hot plates
Dish scrubbing brush
Dish drying mat
16 jar spice rack with filled spices
Paper towel holder
Coffee maker & coffee filters
Jumbo ziploc bag box
Electric kettle
20 piece drinking glasses
22 piece knife set
13 piece Rachel Ray non stick cooking pans
3 pack disinfectant spray
Costco size Palmolive dish soap
Costco pack dish sponges
Ninja blender
2 plush throws
Kitchen hand towels
4 clear sterlite storage tubs
Black and decker toaster oven
April 14, 2021
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A 1:08 pm the Hightstown and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a vehicle fire on the NJ Turnpike at Mile Marker 66 South Bound just south of Exit 8 Hightstown/East Windsor.
When the first firefighters arrived they found a car carrier fire carrying several cars on fire on the shoulder. Heavy black smoke could be seen for miles as the vehicles burned and flames were about 20 feet in the air at times above the well involved vehicle.
Water tankers were called from East Windsor Fire Company, Plainsboro Fire Company and Monroe Township for additional water to fight the fire. The firefighters had the flames under control within about a half hour.
Fire units were on scene until 2:34 pm as they mopped up hot spots.
There was a significant south bound traffic delay of 3 miles according to Google Maps at the time of this report.
No further information is available at this time and no word on the cause of the fire.
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April 7, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE-EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 8:30 am the Robbinsville Township Police Department and Robbinsville Township Fire Department were dispatched to Route 130 in the Windsor section of town for a transformer issue. JCP&L has contacted the Robbinsville Township Police Department and is aware of the problem and has technicians en route.
JCP&L 24/7 Power Center is reporting 1,178 customers estimated without power in the area.
Robbinsville Police and NJ State DOT are working on helping with traffic at intersections until power can be restored. Please use caution in the are since there is no power to several traffic lights on Route 130 in the East Windsor-Robbinsville area served by JCP&L
At 9:03 am JCP&L is on scene and investigating the power failure
At 9:15 am JCP&L has found the issue by Fulton Bank and is working on the power problem.
At 10:20 am power is being restored. Several fire alarms in the area have sounded and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, and East Windsor Fire Company are responding to several alarms in the area.
April 6, 2021
Update April 7, 2021 A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family by the Robbinsville High School Health and Physical Education Department.
The Township of Robbinsville told MidJersey.News they are ready to provide some assistance from monies raised from the 2020 State of Township/Pay it Forward event.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A devastating fire destroyed a home tonight in the 1st Block of Randolph Drive near Buford Road tonight. It was reported that no one was home at the time of the fire.
Around 8:08 pm the Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire that was already well involved as they were being dispatched. The fire officer called for a full 1st alarm shortly after they left the firehouse because they could see a large column of smoke along with police and 9-1-1 reports. Witnesses could see the smoke and the glow of the flames for miles. Upon arrival firefighters hooked up to hydrants and set up ladder operations with ladders from Hamilton Township. Multiple hand lines were also placed in service to knock down the flames. Firefighters worked around arcing power lines and a natural gas fed fire from the damaged line to the home. PSE&G shut the gas off at 9:54 pm.
The fire went to two alarms before being brought under control at 9:54 pm.
Mutual aid fire departments responding Hamilton Township, Hope Fire Company of Allentown, East Windsor Fire Company, Hightstown Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, NJ Forrest Fire Service and others. Robbinsville Township EMS was also backed up by Capital Health EMS from Allentown with an additional ambulance.
The fire is under investigation by the Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal’s Office and Robbinsville Township Police Department. Due to the extensive damage to the structure part of the investigation would have to take place during daylight hours tomorrow. It is too early in the investigation to determine a cause of the fire.
It appears that the family has lost everything and if we hear of a GoFundMe or if the family needs help in other ways we will post that information here on how to provide assistance. It is truly devastating to lose all your belongings in a fire so if help is asked for please consider helping.
This is a breaking news report from witnesses, radio reports and on scene reporting. Once official information is released by the Robbinsville Township Police and Robbinsville Fire Department the story will be updated and any corrections made. This is breaking news and what we know so far is posted.
Morning update 4/7/2021 Robbinsville Township Fire Department at 8:17 am.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family by the Robbinsville High School Health and Physical Education Department.
Please help the RHS Health and PE department to raise money for one of Robbinsville’s most loved families as they just experienced a tremendous loss of their house in a fire on April 6th. Although nothing can replace what they have lost, we hope that this can ease the financial burden they are facing while they cope with the loss of their house.
The Levering girls, (Nicole, Courtney, Christine and Jackie) were all Robbinsville High School graduates and Christine is currently a Health and Physical Education teacher and coach at the High School. Bill and Gael Levering have always been Robbinsville’s biggest community supporters.
Any small amount is appreciated.
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