By: Richard L. Smith
Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a dramatic crash Friday night after a vehicle veered off a busy highway and plunged into the Passaic River in Essex County.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. when firefighters and rescue crews were dispatched to NJ-21 near mile marker 7.2 in Belleville following reports of a vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, responders found that a car had broken through the guardrail in the northbound lanes and entered the river.
Authorities shut down the northbound lanes of the highway after learning that at least one occupant was trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
Rescue operations were launched as emergency crews worked to assess the situation and assist anyone inside.
As of late Friday night, officials had not provided further details on the condition of the occupants, and no severe injuries were immediately reported.
The Belleville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.