2 Cops Injured After Car Slams Into Patrol Car On I-78 In Union County

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ— Two New Providence Police Officers were injured and hospitalized after a van crashed into the back of a patrol vehicle on Interstate 78 on Friday night.

On Aug. 9 at around 5:01 p.m., two officers, in marked police vehicles with emergency lights activated, were conducting a motor vehicle stop on the westbound shoulder of I-78, near mile marker 43.

A Honda Odyssey driving westbound hit the back of the New Providence patrol vehicle, causing a chain reaction crash with the next New Providence Police vehicle and the Mercedes Benz that officers had originally stopped, said New Providence Police.

Two officers were injured and sent to Morristown Memorial Hospital. The officers have since been released and recovering at home.

The driver of the Honda Odyssey also had injuries and was taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital.

The occupants of the Mercedes Benz, who were seated inside the tow truck, were evaluated by EMS and released on scene.

"This was a serious crash, involving a vehicle traveling at highway speed. We are fortunate that all injuries were non-life threatening. Incidents like these give us a moment to be thankful for all those who we hold dear," said New Providence Police Chief Daniel Henn.

Berkeley Heights Fire Department, New Providence Fire Department, Union County Fire Command, Berkeley Heights EMS, Union County EMS, and Atlantic Paramedics went to the scene. The New Jersey State Police, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Summit Police Department, and New Jersey Department of Transportation also responded. The New Jersey State Police are currently investigating the crash.

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