Car Crashes, Plunges Into Raritan River In Somerset County

PEAPACK AND GLADSTONE, NJ — A Tesla drove off the roadway and crashed into the North Branch Raritan River on Saturday night in Peapack and Gladstone, said police.

On Saturday at 6:45 p.m., Peapack and Gladstone Police Corporal Paul Morris and Detective Nick Ortiz went to the area of Willow Ave for the report of a motor vehicle into the river.

Officers found a grey Tesla Model X that had driven through a guide rail and ended up in the North Branch of the Raritan River, said Peapack and Gladstone Police Sgt. Thomas Scanlon.

An investigation found that two 17-year-old girls of Bernardsville and Far Hills were driving east on Willow Avenue when it was reported that a deer ran into the roadway.

The juvenile operator of the vehicle tried to avoid the deer when she crashed through the guide rail ending up in the river, said Scanlon.

The two girls were already out of the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.

Members of the Peapack-Gladstone First Aid and Rescue Squad Inc. treated and took the juveniles to Morristown Medical Center.

Peapack Gladstone Fire Department came to secure the vehicle. Also helping were members of the Peapack & Gladstone Department of Public Works, Far Hills Borough Police Department, Bedminster Township Police Department, Somerset County Hazmat, Somerset County Roads and Bridges and Mikes Towing.

This incident remains under investigation and no summonses have been issued at this time.

The Peapack Gladstone Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. For more information visit pgfire.org/volunteer.

Peapack-Gladstone First Aid & Rescue Squad Inc. is also made up of volunteers who provide emergency basic life support to the borough of Peapack and Gladstone since 1935. For more information visit pgfars.info.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.