Truck topples near tots in Little Falls

In a harrowing series of events, a second tractor-trailer overturned in New Jersey on Tuesday, this time coming within inches of disaster near a daycare playground in Little Falls.

The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, sent shockwaves through the community, although thankfully resulting in no injuries, according to local authorities.

The truck, laden with dozens of logs, careened off course just steps away from the playground of Bright Beginners Academy, a daycare center in Little Falls.

The driver reported that he encountered brake issues, leaving him unable to stop the vehicle.

“I was having an issue with my brakes and could not stop,” said the driver, who works for A&M Affordable Landscaping Tree Service, recounting the terrifying moments before the crash.

While the driver managed to escape without serious injury, the truck itself sustained significant damage in the incident. It took emergency crews approximately three hours to safely upright the vehicle and remove it from the playground, as the playground fences lay mangled in its wake.

Despite the close call, fate smiled upon the daycare center, as no children were present on the playground at the time of the crash. Quick action from daycare staff saw parents swiftly notified to collect their children early, ensuring their safety in the aftermath of the incident.

Kariny Ataide, a parent with two daughters attending the daycare, expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “They play [in the playground] every day, so thank God everything’s OK and the driver’s OK. The kids were napping.”

Another parent, Jeff Lubalin, described the scene upon arrival to pick up his two-year-old, saying, “It looks like the truck went over on its side. There’s a lot of dents along the way and the gas tank is smushed.”

Emergency responders, including personnel from PSE&G, were quick to arrive at the scene, securing nearby utility poles and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. Traffic safety officers and other officials remained on-site throughout the afternoon as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash commenced.

The vehicle, which had been traveling along Cardinal Drive, ultimately crashed onto the rear property of Bright Beginners Academy on Paterson Avenue around 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to Little Falls Police.

While the incident did not result in any injuries, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by heavy vehicles, particularly in areas frequented by children. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation, with authorities working to determine the precise cause and any preventative measures that may be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.