Tractor-Trailer Brakes Fail At Red Light, Crashes Into Car On Route 22: Police

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — One person was taken to the hospital with injuries after a tractor-trailer's brakes failed, causing it to go through a red light and T-bone a car on Route 22.

Just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, a tractor-trailer was driving on Route 22 East and was approaching a red light at the intersection of Watchung Square in North Plainfield.

The driver said he tried to stop but "the brakes gave out on him, preventing him from stopping," according to the North Plainfield Police accident report.

The truck went through the light and crashed into a Subaru that was driving north on Watchung Square, according to the report.

The Subaru had the green light, according to the report.

The driver of the truck reportedly complained of pain to his left knee and the driver of the Subaru reportedly complained of pain to the left shoulder.

One person was evaluated and taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The truck also leaked hydraulic fluid.

"Due to a significant fluid leak from the tractor-trailer, all lanes of Route 22 were temporarily closed while emergency crews worked to mitigate the hazard and ensure the safety of motorists," according to North Plainfield Fire Department.

Somerset County HazMat and Union County HazMat also came to help with containment and cleanup operations.

Later in the day, firefighters were called back to the opposite end of Route 22 for a brush fire.

"Crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further," said the department.

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