Person Rescued from Vehicle After Collision with Gasoline Tanker on Route 130; Hazmat Crews Respond
On August 2, 2023, at approximately 3:55 a.m., East Windsor Fire Company was alerted to a motor vehicle accident with entrapment near the intersection of Route 130 and Princeton-Hightstown Rd in East Windsor, NJ. The collision involved a car and a tanker truck, resulting in significant damage and trapping the driver inside the car. Swift action was taken by the emergency response teams to extricate the individual from the vehicle and provide immediate medical attention. The driver was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Assisting East Windsor Fire Company at the scene were Hightstown Fire Company Chief 41, Rescue 41, and East Windsor Fire Company’s own Deputy 42, Assistant 42, and Rescue 42. Additional support was provided by the West Windsor Hazardous Materials Unit, known as HazMat 45, EMS 45, and Capital Health Paramedics 794. As the situation unfolded, it became apparent that the incident required extensive measures to ensure public safety.
At 9:40 a.m., East Windsor Fire Company issued an update, revealing that Route 130 would remain closed for several hours, stretching from Rt. 571 to Dutch Neck Road. Deputy 42, HazMat 45, and Engine 45 were still present at the scene to oversee the careful transfer of fuel from one tanker to another. The intricate procedure required utmost caution and precision to prevent any potential hazards.
Notably, 511NJ.org, a reliable source of traffic information, reported the incident on its platform. According to the report, there was a crash and fluid spill on the northbound lanes of US 130, just south of CR 571/Princeton-Hightstown Rd, within the jurisdiction of East Windsor Township. As a result, one of the two lanes was closed, and drivers were advised to exercise caution while passing through the area. In collaboration with the New Jersey State Police Incident Management Unit, the Department of Transportation (NJDOT) promptly intervened to manage the traffic flow effectively.
Given the complexity of the operation, it was anticipated that both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 130 would undergo temporary closure during the fuel transfer process. The safety of all involved and the prevention of any environmental hazards remained paramount throughout the operation. To provide a visual account of the incident, we include photos captured by Steven Kadir.
As the situation continues to develop, updates will be provided to ensure the public is informed about the progress made in clearing the scene and reopening Route 130 for regular traffic. It is crucial for commuters to stay updated through official channels and abide by the instructions and precautions issued by the authorities during this challenging time.
