A Life-Saving Effort on Interstate 80

Nick’s Towing Service Assists in Life-Saving Rescue Following Major Interstate 80 Rollover and Reminds Drivers the Importance of Obeying the Slow Down Move Over Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rutherford, NJ — Nick’s Towing Service is commending the extraordinary teamwork and quick actions of first responders and recovery personnel following a catastrophic tractor trailer rollover on Interstate 80, on Sunday, May 24th, that nearly claimed multiple lives.

The incident began while New Jersey State Police and Nick’s Towing operators were already on scene handling several weather-related crashes, at the same location, during an active rainfall and hazardous roadway conditions. As emergency crews worked roadside, a fully loaded tractor trailer lost control and slammed into the rear of a New Jersey State Police vehicle, pushing it approximately 60 to 70 feet into the back of a Nick’s Towing flatbed truck before overturning. Both the State Trooper and the Nick’s Towing operator were forced to run for their lives to avoid being crushed as the tractor trailer rolled over.

“This incident is a powerful reminder of why New Jersey’s Slow Down Move Over law exists,” said Nick Testa Sr, Nick’s Towing Service. “First responders, tow operators, and emergency personnel put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect stranded motorists and clear dangerous roadways. Drivers must slow down and move over. Lives depend on it.”

The tractor trailer rolled over onto a passenger vehicle, trapping the driver inside his vehicle underneath the trailer. The Nick’s Towing Service recovery team worked hand-in-hand with the New Jersey State Police, Paterson Fire Department, and Elmwood Park Fire Department, Nick’s Towing Service immediately put into action one of its heavy-duty rotator wreckers to assist rescue crews in a delicate extrication operation to free the driver for EMS crews to take over.

Using precise, controlled lifting techniques, crews slowly lifted the overturned tractor trailer inch by inch, allowing firefighters to continuously add cribbing to safely extricate the trapped driver from the crushed vehicle.

The successful rescue was the direct result of seamless coordination between law enforcement, fire rescue personnel, and the Nick’s Towing heavy recovery team operating under extreme pressure and rapidly evolving conditions.

“We could not be prouder of our operators and the professionalism displayed by every agency on scene,” the company stated. “From the quick actions that helped prevent additional tragedies, to the coordinated effort that ultimately helped save a life, this was an incredible example of teamwork under extraordinary circumstances.”

Nick Testa Jr. also praised the New Jersey State Police, Paterson Fire Department, Elmwood Park Fire Department, NJ DOT, EMS personnel, and all responding agencies for their bravery and cooperation throughout the operation.

See events caught live in the video below.