A bakery delivery driver narrowly escaped injury after crashing into a massive fallen tree blocking a Newark street early Monday morning, leaving the truck badly mangled and trapping the driver inside the cab for a tense rescue operation.
The crash happened around 4 a.m. on Maple Avenue near Keer Avenue in Newark after a large tree toppled across the roadway during the overnight hours. Authorities said the driver of an America’s Bakery delivery truck did not see the obstruction in the darkness and slammed directly into the tree, becoming trapped inside the crushed front end of the vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and used specialized rescue equipment to free the driver from the wreckage. Despite the severe damage to the truck, officials said the driver escaped without serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The incident also damaged two parked vehicles and brought down utility wires, creating additional hazards for first responders and nearby residents as crews worked to secure the area.
Driver Trapped After Predawn Collision
Initial reports suggested the tree had fallen directly onto the moving truck, but investigators later clarified that the tree had already fallen across the roadway before the crash.
According to Newark Public Safety officials, the enormous tree lay across Maple Avenue before sunrise as the bakery truck approached. The driver reportedly told responders he could not see the tree in time to avoid the collision due to the darkness and limited visibility.
The impact wedged the delivery truck underneath the thick trunk, crushing the cab and trapping the driver inside. Photos from the scene showed the vehicle heavily damaged, with the windshield shattered and the front section nearly flattened beneath the massive tree.
Neighbors who witnessed the aftermath described a chaotic scene as residents rushed outside after hearing the loud crash. Video captured by people in the area showed two men climbing onto the damaged truck in an effort to assist the trapped driver before emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters worked quickly to stabilize the vehicle and safely remove the driver from the wreckage. Officials praised the rapid rescue response, noting that the outcome could have been far worse considering the extent of the damage.
Residents Question Delayed Response To Fallen Tree
The crash sparked frustration among nearby residents who said the dangerous tree had already been reported to authorities before the accident occurred. Several neighbors claimed they contacted emergency services after the tree initially fell but said the roadway remained open to traffic.
One resident told reporters that emergency personnel from neighboring Hillside had briefly responded to the area but left without blocking the roadway or removing the obstruction. Residents questioned why the street was not closed sooner given the obvious danger posed by the downed tree.
Community members also raised concerns about the condition of the tree itself, describing it as old and rotted. Some neighbors said they had previously worried about the tree becoming hazardous and believed more should have been done to address the issue before it collapsed.
The incident has renewed concerns about aging trees and infrastructure in older urban neighborhoods, especially following periods of strong wind and severe weather. Downed trees can create deadly conditions for drivers, particularly during overnight hours when visibility is reduced and road hazards are more difficult to detect.
Authorities have not yet said what caused the tree to fall, though officials indicated weather and the tree’s condition may have contributed to the collapse.
Utility Crews and City Workers Clear Dangerous Scene
In addition to trapping the driver, the fallen tree also knocked down nearby utility wires and damaged two unoccupied parked vehicles across the street.
PSE&G crews were called to the scene to handle the downed power lines and ensure the area was safe before cleanup operations could begin. Emergency responders established a perimeter around the crash site while utility workers assessed the electrical hazards.
Newark Neighborhood Services later began removing the enormous tree and clearing debris from the roadway. Traffic in the area remained disrupted for several hours as crews worked to reopen the street safely.
Officials said the bakery driver was fortunate to survive the crash without injuries given the severity of the impact. Authorities also credited bystanders and first responders for acting quickly during the emergency.
The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by fallen trees and roadway obstructions, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours when visibility is limited. Investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident while residents call for stronger preventative measures to address hazardous trees before accidents occur.