Several NJ Cops, Firefighters Hurt In Crashes On I-280 (UPDATED)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Multiple emergency responders were hurt Tuesday morning during a series of crashes on I-280 in West Orange, police said.

Authorities closed all lanes of the roadway due to the ensuing investigation, causing severe traffic backup. Public safety officials partially reopened the road after keeping it shut down for several hours.

According to the NJ State Police, a dump truck hit two troopers and "multiple pedestrians" as the officers were conducting an accident investigation on the eastbound portion of the highway in West Orange at 10:22 a.m.

At least a half-dozen vehicles were involved in the crash, which involved a state police SUV, an ambulance and a fire engine, NBC New York reported.

The driver of the dump truck remained on the scene, police said.

Emergency responders transported the injured troopers to University Hospital in Newark. Both sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, authorities stated.

In addition, the emergency department at Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark received seven victims involved in the crashes. The patients are in stable condition and are being evaluated for minor injuries, a spokesperson said.

A pair of West Orange police officers and five township firefighters who responded to the scene were among the injured, township officials announced Tuesday evening.

The police officers were treated at the hospital and released. Four of the firefighters have been released from the hospital, and one remains in "unknown" condition, West Orange officials said.

NJFMBA President Eddie Donnelly offered an update on the injured firefighters' conditions on Tuesday.

"Our West Orange Locals has had a tough day. I am happy to let you know all firefighters and state troopers are alive. Some are in very serious condition and will require a long road to recovery. As of now, 4 of the 5 firefighters are home from the hospital and the last firefighter is now conscious. The outpouring of calls, texts and emails have been overwhelming! I have been at the hospital with local 28 and 228 members for most of the afternoon. Please keep our brothers from West Orange and NJSP in your prayers. I want to personally thank our NJ FMBA critical incident team, who was in West Orange to help our members through this tragic event. Thank you to all the locals that provided mutual aid today and if anyone needs any assistance please reach out to your District VP."

Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver also offered a statement after visiting the injured officers in the hospital.

"Our thoughts are with the state troopers, fire personnel, EMS professionals, and pedestrians who were injured in this morning’s incident along Interstate 280, when a dump truck plowed into the site of an earlier accident," Oliver said.

"While this is an ongoing investigation, it should remind us all of the dangers our first responders can encounter while performing their jobs on our roadways," Oliver added. "We wish all of those injured a speedy recovery. We will continue to pray for them all."

Sen. Richard Codey, former governor of New Jersey who now represents towns including West Orange, offered a statement about the crash on social media:

“My thoughts are with all the First Responders and others hurt in today's terrible accident on Route 280. Hopefully all will make a quick recovery. Please remember to always drive carefully.”

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