Cop Rescues Unconscious, Trapped Driver Inside Burning Car On Route 22: Body Cam Video

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A fast-acting Bridgewater Police Officer rescued an unconscious man who was trapped inside his burning car following a crash with a tanker truck on Route 22 West on Wednesday morning.

"Officer Noah Allatt of the Bridgewater Police Department - NJ demonstrated the epitome of strength, resolve, and courage when he rescued an unconscious driver from his burning vehicle," wrote Bridgewater Township Government. "Please join us in thanking Officer Allat for his incredibly courageous actions. Well done, sir."

Bridgewater Police video of the rescue below:

On March 5 at 2:11 a.m., a crash was reported on Route 22 West, near the Thompson Avenue exit ramp.

A preliminary investigation found that Zachary J. Roslin, 33, of Freehold, who was driving a 2007 Freightliner towing a tanker trailer, left the Speedway gas station at 1620 Route 22 West and merged onto the highway, said Bridgewater Police Sgt. Daniel Hennessey.

Peter J. Della-Ventura, 44, of North Plainfield, was driving a Hyundai Elantra in the right lane of Route 22 West.

"While both vehicles were in the right lane, the front of Della-Ventura’s vehicle hit the back of Roslin’s tanker truck," said Hennessey.

After the crash, the vehicles fused, became engulfed in flames, and continued to travel forward for around 685 feet while stuck together and on fire.

Roslin then came to a stop on the shoulder.

Bridgewater Police Officer Noah Allatt was on patrol near the crash scene and arrived and saw a passenger, Moosade Z. Harris, 26, of Plainfield, on the ground and called Roslin over, according to video.

In the video, Allatt can be heard speaking with Roslin, asking if there is anything in the tanker truck.

"Nothing; it's empty right now, but there was a diesel kerosene mix in it last night," said Roslin in the video.

"Can I go up to it?" asks Allatt.

"You can go up to it. I just don't know if its going to be..." said Roslin.

Before Roslin can finish, Allatt is seen running toward the car fire. He looks in the passenger side and finds Della-Ventura unconscious and trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Allatt then runs around to the driver's side and pulls Della-Ventura from the burning car.

Della-Ventura and his passenger were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire, although water supply issues were a concern. Both sides of Route 22 were closed while firefighters worked to put out the fire. The highway has since been reopened.

"The fire was brought under control in 45 minutes, but fire units remained on scene until 4:30 a.m.," said the fire department.

Members of the Finderne, Martinsville, and Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Department as well as Robert Wood Johnson Hospital’s Paramedics, came to help. Members of the Martinsville and Green Knoll Rescue Squads also helped with medical aid.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Officer Joseph Greco of the Bridgewater Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit at 908-722-4111 ext. 4186.

The Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. If interested in volunteering or for more information visit martinsvillefire.org or call 732-469-1955 or facebook.com/Station43. Or stop by the fire station at 1912 Washington Walley Road on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

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