
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a fallen tree caused significant disruption on Route 17 southbound in Ridgewood, forcing the temporary closure of all lanes shortly after noon on Saturday. The incident occurred between the Franklin Turnpike and Paramus Road southbound exits, prompting a swift response from the Ridgewood Police Department (RPD) and Ridgewood Fire Department/EMS teams.
Incident Details
Two vehicles were damaged by debris from the downed tree, including a tow truck. The tow truck’s female passenger suffered eye and facial injuries from flying glass after the windshield shattered. Emergency responders transported her via ambulance to The Valley Hospital for treatment.
Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 assisted at the scene to ensure safety and manage cleanup efforts.
Impact on Traffic
The downed tree caused significant traffic delays as crews worked to clear the debris and assess damage. All lanes on Route 17 southbound were temporarily closed but reopened later in the day after the area was cleared.
Safety Reminder
This incident highlights the importance of cautious driving during inclement weather or when road hazards are reported. Motorists are urged to stay updated on traffic conditions and exercise caution on heavily wooded routes.