NJ Roadside Crash Responders Nearly Hit 4 Times During Blizzard

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — Warren County first responders are issuing a reminder to residents after nearly being hit by four different cars while responding to a crash during this weekend’s blizzard.

On Sunday, around 11:30 p.m., first responders, including state police, EMTs, firefighters, tow operators, and hazmat officials, were dispatched to I-80 East near mile-marker 22 on report of an overturned tractor-trailer.

At this point, the blizzard was in full swing, offering limited visibility and slick roads.

As responders attempted to handle the incident, officials said cars and tractor-trailers were pushing through the area, despite a statewide travel ban that had been put into effect.

“What should have been a controlled emergency scene turned into one of the most dangerous operating environments our crews have dealt with in a long time — and not because of the wreck,” an Allamuchy Fire Department statement read. “It got so bad that crews were forced to clear the scene and leave the wreck in place because it was simply too dangerous to keep operating with traffic refusing to slow down or stay off the road.”

Officials say there were four close calls in which responders were almost hit by passing vehicles.

Authorities said it got so bad that responders were forced to clear the scene of the crash.

“Let that sink in — emergency responders had to walk away from an active crash because drivers made the highway more dangerous than the incident itself,” officials said. “Travel restrictions and commercial vehicle bans are not a friendly suggestion. They are not a challenge. They are not something you ignore because you’re in a hurry.”

No injuries were reported at the scene of the crash.