A woman in New Jersey has lost her life after an incident with a garbage truck this past weekend.
So far, authorities have not charged the truck driver with the woman’s death. However, an investigation is underway, with the public expecting results soon.
Our hearts go out to the woman’s family as they navigate this unimaginable situation.
A Woman Tragically Passed Away After Being Struck By a Garbage Truck
Tragedy struck in Newark, New Jersey, on the evening of Friday, November 6. Authorities responded to a call reporting a woman was stuck under a vehicle.
NBC 4 New York reports that a garbage truck driver believed she struck a stray black garbage bag. She continued driving the large vehicle to the supermarket, where she went inside and made a purchase before returning to the truck.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the garbage truck driver then went to put it in reverse, but had difficulty getting the vehicle to move. When she stepped out of the truck to examine it, she noticed a woman trapped beneath it. The garbage truck driver notified a security officer, who called 911.
When authorities arrived, they pronounced the victim deceased. Her identity has not yet been made public.
Right now, there is an ongoing investigation. NBC New York reports that it’s not currently known if the garbage truck driver will face charges.
These Trucks Can Weigh Several Tons
While a vehicle will undoubtedly cause damage to anything it strikes, a garbage truck can absolutely cause catastrophic injuries to a human body.
According to Kademe Municipal Vehicles, a completely empty garbage truck will weigh between 15,000 and 33,000 pounds, which is 7.5 to 16.5 tons. But after picking up garbage, the situation changes. A fully loaded garbage truck can weigh between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds, or 25 to 30 tons.
For now, this is an ongoing investigation and no one has been charged. In the meantime, the public is sending plenty of thoughts and prayers to the victim’s loved ones.
Authorities urge the public to contact them if they have any information pertaining to the incident. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line can be reached at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
New Jersey Woman Killed After Tragic Garbage Truck Incident