Six Injured After Dump Truck Crashes into Target Store

A dump truck crash into a Target store in North Bergen, New Jersey, left six people injured on Friday afternoon.

The incident began when the truck, which was being loaded with soil and rocks at the top of a hill near the store, lost control and sped downhill. According to Chief David Donnarumma of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the truck crossed Tonnelle Avenue, struck the back of a tractor-trailer, and then plowed into the Target building.

Among the injured was a woman trapped in the store’s bathroom. Emergency responders were able to free her, but she sustained the most severe injuries. The dump truck driver also required rescue from the vehicle.

Authorities believe the collision with the tractor-trailer may have mitigated the impact, potentially preventing more serious damage. Chief Robert Farley Jr. of the North Bergen Police Department noted that hitting the tractor-trailer “most likely relieved some of the force.”

“The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle or his brakes, went through Tonnelle Avenue, crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer and then went into the Target store,” said Chief David Donnarumma with North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.

Investigators are now inspecting the dump truck to determine if mechanical issues, such as brake failure, contributed to the crash.

The collision caused extensive damage to the Target building, including structural issues and water damage from the sprinkler system. There is currently no timeline for the store’s reopening.

“It most likely relieved some of the force,” said Chief Robert Farley Jr. with the North Bergen Police Department.

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