Drunk Driver Slams Van Into NJ Senior Home Sparking Fire, Evacuations, Police Say

GALLOWAY, NJ — A speeding drunken driver crashed his van into a Galloway senior living residence, causing more than 100 residents and staff members to be evacuated Sunday night, Galloway police said.

It was 11:44 p.m. Sunday when Galloway police responded to Ridgewood Senior Living at Historic Smithville for the report of a vehicle that had crashed into the building. The 911 caller said that the vehicle was on fire and the driver could not be seen.

A 2023 Ram van had crashed into the front of the building and was actively on fire, police said.

More than 100 residents and staff members were safely evacuated, police said. Two residents sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, police said.

The driver, 40-year-old Eliel Vazquez-Hernandez of Mays Landing, was speeding on Old New York Road when his vehicle continued through the intersection of Route 9 and entered the parking lot of Historic Smithville Village, police said.

The van then traveled into the parking area of Ridgewood Senior Living, where it struck several fixed objects including landscaping and a fire hydrant, before striking a parked car and crashing into the building.

Vazquez-Hernandez was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, police said. He was also charged with offenses including assault by auto, criminal mischief and causing or risking widespread injury or damage.

He was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment and is awaiting transfer to the Atlantic County Justice Facility, police said.