Double Crash Chaos in New Milford: Police Officer and Civilians Hospitalized After Route Shutdown
photos courtesy of the New Milford Fire Department (NMFD)
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW MILFORD, NJ — A chaotic Friday morning unfolded on the Boulevard as the New Milford Fire Department (NMFD) and police dealt with two separate, interconnected motor vehicle accidents just blocks apart, resulting in three hospitalizations and a significant road closure.
The series of events began on Friday, April 17, 2026, when emergency crews were dispatched to a high-impact collision at the intersection of Madison Avenue and the Boulevard.
Incident 1: Utility Pole Snapped at Madison Ave
At approximately 7:30 a.m., first responders arrived at Madison Avenue to find a smoking vehicle, a snapped utility pole, and live power lines draped across the roadway.
New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy confirmed that two women were injured in this initial crash and transported to a local hospital. In a surprising twist, one of the drivers involved was arrested at the scene by Dumont Police in connection with a separate, unrelated incident.
Incident 2: Police Cruiser Collision at Myrtle Ave
The situation escalated quickly while units were en route to the first scene. A New Milford police officer, responding to the Madison Avenue crash with lights and sirens activated, collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and the Boulevard—just two blocks south of the original accident.
The force of the impact sent the police cruiser off the roadway, where it struck two parked cars in a residential driveway.
The Toll of the Second Crash:
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NMPD Officer: Transported to Holy Name Medical Center with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.
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Civilian Driver: Evaluated by EMS; conditions were not immediately available.
Emergency Response & Road Closures
The NMFD managed the dual-scene crisis by splitting their command. Chief 301 took charge of the Myrtle Avenue scene, while Chief 302 managed the Madison Avenue site. Crews from Engine 34 and Truck 31 worked for over two hours to:
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Mitigate fire hazards in the six damaged vehicles.
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Control automotive fluid leaks using absorbent “Speedy Dry.”
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Assist Paramus EMS and ALS with patient stabilization.
PSE&G was called to the scene to secure the downed high-voltage wires, while the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the investigation. The Boulevard remained closed from Cedar Road to Milford Avenue for a large portion of the morning.
Investigation Ongoing
Both accidents are currently under investigation by the New Milford Police Crash Investigation Unit. Authorities are looking into the mechanics of the cruiser collision and the circumstances leading to the initial pole strike.
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