The pedestrian was walking westbound on Paterson Avenue when the collision occurred
photo courtesy of the East Rutherford Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A quiet holiday week turned into a desperate life-saving mission on Tuesday evening when a pedestrian was struck and pinned beneath a vehicle at a busy East Rutherford intersection.
Just before 6:00 p.m. on December 23, 2025, emergency responders rushed to the area of Paterson Avenue and Washington Place (near Lincoln Place) following reports of a severe pedestrian crash. Upon arrival, crews found a 72-year-old woman trapped under a 2007 Honda CR-V.
🚒 High-Stakes Rescue Operation
The East Rutherford Fire Department (ERFD), with critical assistance from the Wallington Fire Department Rescue, utilized specialized heavy-rescue tools to perform a “vehicle lift.” The delicate operation allowed firefighters to raise the SUV and free the woman from beneath the chassis.
Immediately upon her removal, first responders began performing CPR and other advanced life-saving tactics.
Medical Response on the Scene:
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Advanced Life Support (ALS): Units from Holy Name Medical Center.
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Basic Life Support (BLS): Units from Hackensack University Medical Center.
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Transport: The victim was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center with critical injuries, including significant head trauma.
🔍 Investigation and Driver Cooperation
According to East Rutherford Police Captain Jeff Yannacone, the pedestrian was walking westbound on Paterson Avenue when the collision occurred.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as a 30-year-old woman from East Rutherford, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. As of Saturday morning, the crash remains under active investigation, and it is currently unclear if any charges will be filed.
⚠️ Pedestrian Safety Warning
This incident was one of three separate pedestrian crashes reported across New Jersey on the same day, prompting a renewed warning from local officials during the busy holiday travel season.
Safety Tips for Motorists and Pedestrians:
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Visibility: With early sunsets in December, pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective clothing.
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Intersection Awareness: Drivers should use extra caution at the Paterson Avenue corridor, which remains one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Bergen County area.
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Eye Contact: Pedestrians should try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing, even if they have the right-of-way.
Incident Summary: East Rutherford Crash
| Detail | Information |
| Date/Time | Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025 |
| Location | Paterson Ave & Washington Pl, East Rutherford |
| Victim | 72-Year-Old Female (Critical Condition) |
| Vehicle | 2007 Honda CR-V |
| Responding Agencies | ERFD, Wallington FD, Holy Name, Hackensack UMCl |
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