Dump truck loses control, crashes into NJ Target, tractor trailer; 5 injured

A dump truck slammed into a tractor-trailer and then crashed into a New Jersey Target Friday afternoon, creating a gaping hole and leaving five people injured.

Around 2 p.m., a dump truck working at a nearby construction site on 71st Street reportedly lost control while descending down a steep hill. 

The truck crossed Tonnelle Avenue, rammed into a tractor-trailer, and crashed into North Bergen Target at 7101 Tonnelle Avenue. 

North Bergen Fire Chief Donnarumma confirmed that five people were transported to the hospital, including one woman in critical condition. The woman had to be extricated from the bathroom, where she sustained extensive injuries.

Structural engineers are currently assessing the building for permanent damage. While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, officials suspect the driver may have lost control of the brakes.

Crews are still working to remove the dump truck from the building.

70th and 76th Streets are closed as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

What we know:

The North Bergen Target at 7101 Tonnelle Avenue is severely damaged, and crews are on-site assessing the damage.

Video from SkyFOX showed the large, gaping hole in the side of the building, with a telephone pole bisecting the trailer and the dump truck stuck inside. 

Around 3:54 p.m. emergency crews began working to move the dump truck from the building and back onto street level.

The backstory:

In a statement, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco wrote: "I am writing to inform everyone about the devastating accident that occurred at Target. According to initial reports, a dump truck descending 69th Street hill lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision caused both vehicles to crash into the Target store. We have confirmed six injuries, with one being severe. Additional updates will be provided as new information arises. Please offer your support and prayers to the injured individuals." 

The Target store was open for business at the time of the crash, though it's unclear how many people were inside the building at the time. 

Dozens of first responders were on scene around 2:45 p.m. 

What we don't know:

It is also unclear if anyone was injured in the incident. "I saw someone getting pulled out of the rubble," one man nearby the store said.  

The investigation remains ongoing. Structural engineers are assessing the scene for permanent damage.

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