by Egg Harbor Township, NJ – A dramatic rescue unfolded on Sunday afternoon when Egg Harbor Township firefighters freed a driver trapped inside an SUV that had crashed down a steep embankment along the Garden State Parkway. The driver’s quick rescue by multiple fire companies highlighted the skill and coordinated effort of local emergency responders.
A Harrowing Crash on the Garden State Parkway
At approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, a southbound Acura near milepost 36.9 lost control and veered off the highway. The vehicle ended up down a 40-foot grassy embankment, leaving the driver trapped inside. According to Trooper Christopher Postorino, who is part of the preliminary investigation with the State Police, the circumstances that led to the crash remain under review.
- The vehicle involved: Acura SUV
- Location: Garden State Parkway, southbound near milepost 36.9
- Time of incident: Approximately 1 p.m., Sunday
- Condition of driver: Minor injuries, transported to hospital
- Rescue teams involved: Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company, Farmington, and Bargaintown firefighters
Complex Rescue Operation Led by Local Firefighters
The rescue was described as complex and risky, involving a stokes basket and haul line operation to safely extract the trapped driver from the steep embankment. The Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company detailed the incident and response in a social media post.
Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe served as the incident commander, overseeing the coordination of efforts among multiple fire companies.
“Our fire teams worked seamlessly together to perform a technically challenging rescue and safely remove the driver,” said Bargaintown Assistant Chief Will Hancock, who led the operation. Cardiff Lt. Kevin Weatherby was also instrumental in directing the rescue efforts.
The driver was eventually freed and transported by the Egg Harbor Township Rescue Squad to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Looking Ahead: Investigation and Community Safety
While no further information has been released pending ongoing investigation by the State Police, this incident underlines the dangers drivers can face on busy highways and the vital role of quick emergency response.
Authorities remind motorists to exercise caution in all driving conditions, especially on stretches of roadway with steep embankments.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the heroic rescue efforts by the Egg Harbor Township firefighters? Have you ever experienced or witnessed a similar emergency on the Garden State Parkway? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
