Bystanders applaud rescue workers and 14-year-old boy gives thumbs up after being pulled from underneath a vehicle on top of him.
May 16, 2021
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:20 p.m. the Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Department, Lawrence Township EMS and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched for a pedestrian accident with person pinned under vehicle, reported unconscious.
Lawrence Township Police were first to arrive and were able to communicate with a conscious 14-year-old child that was pinned under the vehicle after being struck on his BMX bike at Brunswick Pike-Business Route 1 and Putnam Avenue . Lawrence Township Police officers kept the child calm and provided aid as Lawrence Township EMS and paramedics arrived.
The Lawrence Township Fire Department responded with three rescue engines and other vehicles. The fire chief reported “All hands working” as they set up rescue tools and air bags to lift the vehicle off the child. Special rescue airbags were set up on cribbing under the vehicle and as the vehicle was raised using air pressure it was stabilized to prevent further injuries.
After being pinned about 26 minutes under the vehicle, the child was freed about 5:46 p.m. As the boy was freed the bystanders that gathered applauded the police, fire and EMS workers that freed the child and thank them for their service.
Luckily the boy appeared to only have minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes, and was transported by Lawrence Township EMS and paramedics to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for evaluation. The boy was seen giving a “thumbs” up in one of the photographs after being pulled from underneath the vehicle.
One witness told MidJersey.news that the boy was able to communicate with his parents via cell phone from under the vehicle just after the accident happened. Another witness told MidJersey.news that the driver wanted to back off the child but knowing that would cause further harm bystanders were able to stop the vehicle before that happened and waited for the police and rescue workers to arrive.
This type of accident usually results in very tragic injuries and one police officer was overheard saying “I’ve never been so glad to talk to a 14-year-old boy.”
Lawrence Township Police were investigating the accident and were seen holding the bike that was broken in two pieces from the impact as part of the investigation process. Any witnesses to the accident should contact Lawrence Township Police Department.
Information provided is from on scene reporting and radio traffic, if official information is received the story will be updated and any corrections made. Check back for updates.
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News