Passenger rescued after pickup truck crashes, becomes lodged in trees in Hunterdon County
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Emergency crews responded Friday afternoon to a motor vehicle crash on Route 31 northbound between Wescott Drive and Gauntt Place after a pickup truck veered off the road and became lodged between several trees, officials said.
The Flemington-Raritan Rescue Squad said it was dispatched at 4:26 p.m. along with the Raritan Township Fire Company and the Hunterdon Medical Center MICU EMS-1.
Crews found the driver had managed to exit the vehicle on their own, but the passenger was trapped and injured, officials said. Responders stabilized the truck with Paratech Fire & Rescue Equipment struts, ratchet belts and pickets to prevent movement.
A 14-foot roof ladder was placed into the cab of the truck, allowing the passenger to be carefully secured in a basket stretcher and slid down the ladder before being transferred to an ambulance. Squad EMTs and Hunterdon Medical Center paramedics provided care during the rescue.
The Raritan Township Fire Company assisted with stabilization and hazard control, while the Raritan Township Police Department investigated the crash.
Officials said all rescue units cleared the scene within about an hour.
