Clifton business partially collapses after tractor-trailer crashes into it

Clifton building partially collapses after tractor-trailer crashes into it

The building in Clifton, New Jersey that a tractor-trailer crashed into has partially collapsed.

NEW JERSEY - A building in Clifton, New Jersey has partially collapsed over a day after a tractor-trailer crashed into it.

Tractor-trailer crash

The backstory:

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13, just off Route 3 in Clifton, near the Passaic Avenue exit ramp. The tractor-trailer appeared to have driven off the road, smashing into a limousine business. 

Tractor-trailer crashes into business on Route 3 in Clifton

An early morning crash ended with an 18-wheeler inside a building along a major roadway in Clifton.

The driver was trapped inside. First responders extricated the driver and took them to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

‘No definitive timeline’

What they're saying:

As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, the truck was still lodged in the building. Clifton Police called it "a very complex situation," and said that "there is no definitive timeframe" for pulling the truck out.

Officials said that engineers are working to stabilize the building. The crash took out an entire corner of the building. Before crews can remove the truck, the building must be properly supported.

"The priority is getting this right," Clifton PD said.

The Passaic Avenue exit ramp on Route 3's eastbound lanes remains closed, though Route 3 is open in both directions.

What we don't know:

Officials are still investigating what caused the crash.