Van Crashes Into Livingston Group Home, Several People Injured

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A van carrying three passengers crashed into an assisted living facility on the 300-block of West Northfield Avenue in Livingston on Thursday evening. The crash caused minor injuries to the driver and passengers and caused significant damage to the building, reports say.

According to police, the driver of the van said that she was returning to the facility with three passengers when the vehicle's brakes failed. The vehicle then crashed into the facility’s garage, coming to rest against a retaining wall, NJ.com reported.

Livingston Fire Chief Chris Mullin told CBS New York that it took about 15 to 20 minutes before emergency responders could rescue the three wheelchair-bound people inside the van. All three and the driver were taken to an area hospital; none had any serious injuries or broken bones, he said.

It’s unclear whether the crash was caused by a mechanical failure or driver error, CBS stated.

The residents of the home were relocated to a nearby hotel Thursday night, ABC New York reported.

Utility workers arrived at the scene to disconnect utilities to the structure at the request of the Livingston Fire Department due to downed electrical wires throughout the area, TAP Into Livingston stated.

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