5 Injured When Dump Truck And Trailer Crash Into Target Store In North Jersey

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Five people were injured, at least one severely, after two trucks crashed into the side of a Target store in Hudson County on Friday, said a local mayor.

"A dump truck descending 71st st hill lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision caused both vehicles to crash into the Target store," said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco on Friday.

Three of the victims were shoppers inside the store, and the other two were the drivers of both vehicles, said a spokesperson for the town.

All were taken to nearby hospitals, and their conditions are not being released at this time.

Two media reports said that a severely injured woman was in the bathroom of Target at the time.

The store is located on Tonnelle Avenue, part of Routes 1 and 9.

The township said around 4 p.m. that Tonnelle Avenue was closed in both directions between 70th Street and 76th Street.

"Significant traffic delays are anticipated, and we advise the public to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes," they wrote.

"The incident is currently under investigation, with multiple emergency responders on-site. Further updates will be provided as deemed necessary. We thank you for your patience and understanding."

Updates

The town issued a press release shortly after 6 p.m. saying, "Earlier this afternoon on 71st Street in North Bergen the driver of a dump truck traveling westbound lost control of their vehicle. The truck rolled down the hill and made contact with a stationary tractor-trailer, causing just the dump truck to impact the Target store located on Tonnelle Avenue.

"In addition to local North Bergen Police Department and Emergency Medical Services, Hudson County Sheriff's Office, West New York Police Department and EMS, Union City EMS, Weehawken EMS and Jersey City Medical Center all responded promptly to the scene...

"The collision caused damage to the Target store, leading to an evacuation of the building. North Bergen emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, worked to secure the area and assist those affected."

Sacco added, "We are committed to supporting the injured individuals and their families while working to understand what happened. I also want to commend our emergency responders and responders from surrounding municipalities for their swift action and dedication to ensuring everyone’s safety."

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local authorities. No charges are being brought at this time, according to North Bergen Police Department officials.