UPDATED: Runaway Garbage Truck Caused Major Damage to Circa 1870 House

Photo Credit: WHDH.com

A house and parked car at 44 Butler St. sustained major damages after a runaway garbage truck struck crashed into the house and car just after 3 Thursday afternoon in Salem, Mass.

The residents of the home were in the backyard at the time of the crash, and reported hearing a loud bang and, “they felt a vibration as if someone had moved the home,” according to police.

The garbage truck driver told officers that he parked the truck in front of 40 Butler Street, and let out his laborer so he could collect the trash. The driver said he put the emergency brake on, and then got out of the truck so he could help collect trash barrels, according to police reports.

The truck driver said he they had collected a few barrels, placed the trash in the back of the truck. He pulled on the “control handle” which controls the part of the truck that crushes the trash.

The truck driver told officers that the truck suddenly accelerated and took off towards 44 Butler St. when he pulled on the control handle.

The truck driver said the runaway truck struck a parked the motor vehicle first, and then struck the house. The truck driver said he attempted to run and climb into the driver’s seat, but was unable to stop the truck.

Salem Police and Fire Departments, the Massachusetts State Police Truck team and the city’s building inspector investigated.

The homeowner, Dutch Norden,, arrived soon after the house was damaged. Authorities advised him to contact his insurance company.

City authorities said the damage to the building was limited to the front right corner where the truck hit it.

The building was built circa 1870 and is of post and beam construction. The corner post was dislodged from the foundation, and the sheathing pushed inwards. There was some damage to the support post and cross member around a first floor window, and infill framing. There appeared to be no damage to the second floor framing members, according to city building officials.

AZ Services boarded the building on Thursday night, and an early morning visit on Friday by an inspector confirmed the building was secured.

The garbage truck is owned by Northside Carting Inc., and the residential manager arrived after incident was reported. He checked to see if the truck would still drive, and told police he did not think a tow was needed.

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Boarded building photo credit: Salem Building Officials