Truck Plows Into Pizzeria, 'Devastating' Frenchtown

A New Jersey town was devastated by a truck plowing into a pizzeria overnight, officials say.

Frenchtown Mayor Brad Myhre said a terrible fire caused by a truck plowing through the front of Galasso’s Pizzeria ripped through the community overnight.

"Most of the Galasso’s building is now rubble and the Frenchtown Cafe located beside the pizzeria has also suffered significant damage," he said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a heavy duty wrecker hauling a large trailer was traveling southbound on Route 513 at approximately 10:40 pm. Monday when it left the roadway, according to the HCPO.

The truck then struck the Galasso’s Pizzeria, causing the business to become engulfed in flames, according to the HCPO. The fire then spread to the Frenchtown Café. The structures suffered extensive damage and were unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The driver of the vehicle, Roberto Velez, 37, of Kearny, suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene.

The wrecker was owned by B&L Towing and Recovery, of Carteret, according to the HCPO.

Power was shut down in the community and residents were asked to limit water usage.

The Frenchtown Fire Department, along with many other area departments, were "continuing their heroic work at the scene," the mayor said.

"I would ask that you keep those affected by the fire and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers," he said.

People have been displaced from their homes and family businesses are "absolutely devastated."

"However, I know the strength, compassion and resilience of our people and we will overcome this fire," he said.

This is an active investigation and the HCPO is asking if anyone has information to please contact the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 788-1129.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010, going online at www.CrimeStoppersHunterdon.com, or through the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.

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