June 10, 2024
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–An as-yet unknown number of people were left homeless by a three-alarm blaze that burned the roof off two-thirds of a 24-unit condominium building Monday afternoon (June 10, 2024) in the Twin Rivers section of town.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as additional information becomes available.
The blaze in Building K of the American Way condominiums on Avon Drive, off Probasco Road, was reported about 4:30 p.m. Heavy smoke was showing from the two-story building when the first police and firefighters arrived. A short time later, flames were reported to be burning through the roof. Three alarms were transmitted to bring enough fire apparatus and manpower to the scene to fight the fire. Numerous hoselines and three aerial master streams were put in service to flow water on the flames.
Assisting East Windsor firefighters with battling the blaze were fire companies from Robbinsville, Allentown-Upper Freehold Hope Fire Company, Plainsboro, Monroe, Hightstown, West Windsor, Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, North Brunswick, Millstone, Manalapan, Cranbury, and Howell.
By the time the blaze was brought under control several hours later, the roof of the parts of the building containing units 9 through 24 had been burned away. Extensive damage was visible to most second second-floor units in those areas, while water and smoke damage was probable in the first-floor units there. It appeared that firefighters had been mostly successful in preventing significant damage to units 1 through 8.
Several firefighters reportedly suffered minor injuries and were being treated on scene by emergency medical personnel from Hightstown, Capital Health System, Princeton, and elsewhere. Signal 22, the volunteer fire and police canteen unit from Trenton, was on scene providing firefighters with refreshments.
The Red Cross was requested to the scene to help shelter displaced residents. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by township police and fire officials and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The blaze sent up a large column of smoke that was visible on the other side of the county, while hundreds of local residents watched the firefighting effort up close from behind police line tape.
Updated story at link below:
47 Left Homeless from East Windsor 3-Alarm Blaze, Investigation Continues
Several families left homless after this 3-Alarm fire on Avon Drive in East Windsor, New Jersey
Above photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Above photos by: Michael Ratcliffe, MidJersey.news
June 10, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 1:11 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of County Route 571 and Beacon Street involving a motorcycle and a car.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male, identified as 30-year-old Collins Oluleti of Toms River, lying in the roadway with a severe head injury. Collins was unresponsive to first responders, and he was transported via medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed as critical. Officers also observed a silver 2004 Toyota Camry stopped slightly past the stop bar located at the intersection of Beacon Street and County Route 571. A motorcycle, identified as a 2024 black Kawasaki Vulcan S, was observed facing eastbound in the eastbound lane of County Route 571, lying on the right side. Collins was identified as the operator of the Kawasaki. The Toyota was observed with damage to the front driver side bumper corner and the Kawasaki was observed with damage across the right side.
The investigation revealed that the Kawasaki was traveling eastbound on County Route 571 in the left lane. The Toyota was traveling northbound on Beacon Street and stopped at the stop sign located at the intersection of County Route 571. The Toyota then proceeded into the intersection and Collins observed the Toyota entering his lane of travel. At that time, Collins began to brake to avoid a collision, which caused him to lose control and fall to the pavement. Collins and the Kawasaki began to slide on the pavement and detach from each other. The Kawasaki continued sliding forward approximately 287 feet where it stopped. Collins continued sliding forward and impacted the front end of the Toyota. Following the impact, the Toyota reversed approximately 32 feet to the area of the stop bar at the intersection. This caused Collins to be dragged approximately 11 feet due to him being stuck underneath the Toyota. It was determined that Collins was wearing an approved DOT helmet, but the helmet fell off while he was sliding on the pavement prior to him impacting the Toyota.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 26-year-old Andy Hernandez-Cheneaux of Toms River, was uninjured as a result of the crash. The Toyota’s three additional passengers, identified as 25-year-old Xiomara Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, 24-year-old Geraldine Requena-Carrasco of Manchester, and 28-year-old Juan Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, were also uninjured. There was no airbag deployment from the Toyota.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, firefighters from Ridgeway Volunteer and Manchester Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics and Life Flight. The investigation into this crash is still on going, however, failure to yield right of way at an intersection appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Michael O’Hara and Ptl. Sage Sysol of the department’s Traffic Safety Section.
June 10, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at approximately 4:30 a.m. Trenton Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) were dispatched to a person down on the street in the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave. It was believed at the time that the person suffered a cardiac arrest. TEMS arrived, found an unresponsive unidentified female in the street, and transported her to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
At approximately 8:12 a.m., Trenton Communications received a call from a nurse at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The nurse requested an officer respond to the hospital for a patient who arrived in the early morning with traumatic injuries which appeared consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The victim sustained multiple fractures and other serious injuries.
Detective Vincent Gribbin, from the Trenton Police Department Fatal Crash Unit, was contacted to begin an investigation. Trenton police officers, learning the victim was brought in from the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave, responded to the area. The officers located debris that was consisted with a motor vehicle crash. No vehicles in the immediate area had damage consistent with being involved in a hit and run. Detective Gribbin arrived at the hospital only to be informed that the victim had just been pronounced after suffering from a cardiac arrest. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Shydasia Merrick of Trenton.
The Trenton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle that fatally struck a pedestrian. The vehicle has been identified as a 2019 – 2024 Toyota Rav 4, white in color, possibly an XLE or higher trim with a sunroof and color-keyed mirrors. The vehicle should have sustained damage to the driver’s side, including the sideview mirror and headlight assembly.
This investigation is ongoing and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team is assisting. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to please contact the Trenton Police Department non-emergency line at 609-989-4000 or text our tipline at CRIMES (274637) and enter the word TPDTIPS. Alternatively, tips/information can be emailed to: [email protected] .
June 10, 2024
EWING — The Township of Ewing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrated its first Gala Dinner on June 7, 2024, at the Mountainview Golf Course and Country Club. The event, an evening of recognition, appreciation and community spirit, acknowledged the achievements of Ewing EMS and their unwavering dedication to the safety and health of the community.
Established in 1977, Ewing EMS has grown from its humble beginnings with just four employees to a dedicated team of 12 full-time professionals who respond to more than 5,000 calls annually, making a significant impact on countless lives in the community.
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann — taken by surprise when EMS Director Delorfette Clark presented him with a plaque in appreciation of the mayor and council’s ongoing support of the department — shared his thoughts on the importance of recognizing EMS technicians. “The technicians are the backbone of Ewing EMS, consistently showing exceptional dedication and compassion,” Mayor Steinmann said. “This gala is a way to honor their tireless efforts and the vital role they play in safeguarding our community’s health and well-being, and I believe they are among the best around.”
Director Clark also expressed a heartfelt thank you to all first responders. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all our first responders,” Clark said. “Your unwavering commitment, bravery, and selflessness make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Every day, you put others before yourselves, and for that, we are eternally grateful. This gala is not just a celebration of your achievements but a recognition of the heart and soul you pour into serving our community.”
Also in attendance were Council President Kevin Baxter, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Councilmember Kathleen Wollert, Sarah Steward and David Schroth; Police Chief Albert Rhodes; Fire Director Marc Strauss, and Township Administrator Aaron T. Watson.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Years of Service Awards:
- Captain Stephen Stackhouse – 5 years
- EMT Christopher Biache- 5 years
- Captain Charles Sista – 10 years
- Captain Nicholas Portella – 10 years
- EMT Jessica Cheverez – 10 years
- Captain Grady C.L. Griffin, 20 years
2023 EMS Chief’s Award Recipient
2023 People’s Choice Award (As chosen by staff)
2023 Per Diem of the Year Award
2023 Medical Director of the Year Award
About Ewing EMS:
Ewing EMS is committed to delivering excellent pre-hospital care with compassion and respect. The organization advocates for each patient, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and attention.
Reflecting the diversity of Ewing Township, Ewing EMS supports a team of professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The service also prides itself on embracing innovation and leveraging the latest advances in critical care and technology to provide cutting-edge medical services to residents.
About Ewing Township:
Ewing Township is dedicated to maintaining a quality place of life for its residents through excellent public services, community engagement, and continuous improvement. For more information, visit our website at www.ewingnj.org
Ewing Township. Where Community Meets Progress
Clockwise, from left, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, Chris Steinmann, Council members Sarah Steward and Kathy Wollert, Business Administrator Aaron T. Watson, Human Resources Director Raissa Walker
June 10, 2024 — UPDATE
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police say that on Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Hightstown Police Department was dispatched to the rental office of the Deerfield/Westerlea Arms Apartment complex, Westerlea Avenue, for a thirty-nine (39) year old female with severe stomach pain. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was determined that the injury was sustained from an inert-type grenade that had detonated, once the pin was removed/tampered with. Robbinsville EMS arrived on scene, performed an evaluation, and transported the patient to Capital Health-Fuld Campus for non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the unknown device detonating and causing injury, the NJSP Bomb Squad, along with Hightstown Fire Department and Hightstown First Aid Squad were summoned to the scene to stand by until the scene was rendered safe by NJSP Bomb Squad. Officers from the Hightstown Police Department evacuated the immediate area and secured access points as a precautionary measure.
NJSP Bomb Squad personnel, shortly after arrival, rendered the scene safe, stating the device was a practice grenade that still had a fuse in the grenade that caused the detonation when the pin was removed or tampered with. No other citizens, residents, or emergency responders were injured during the incident.
This is a reminder for all that devices that seem inert or safe, may not be, and have the potential for serious injuries.
Anyone that comes in possession of such devices should contact their local police department, and/or NJSP Bomb Squad to assure the devices are safe.
Hightstown Police Department members are thankful that this incident was not more serious and wish the victim well in her recovery.
Earlier MidJersey.news story here:
Heavy Police Presence at Emergency Scene in Hightstown, NJ
Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
See latest update at below link:
June 10, 2024
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)-There is heavy police presence including what appeared to be bomb squad activity at an apartment on Westerlea Avene. Hightstown Police, Hightstown Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid Squad and NJ State Police are on scene at this incident.
UPDATE: Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
Hightstown Police released this statement on Facebook: “Public Safety Announcement – Heavy Police and Fire Department presence on Westerlea Ave and Grape Run Road. Please stay away from the area. Active investigation following a medical call for service at an apartment building is underway. Updates will be provided when the area is deemed to be safe.”
No additional information is available at this time.
June 10, 2024–Update
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department responded at 7:45 pm Saturday evening to a report of a home on fire at 4 Beryl Court in the Kendall Park section of the Township. Upon arrival, officers and firefighters observed heavy flames at the rear of the home. The homeowner said he was able to get his wife, two sons, and pets out of the home before police arrived. He explained he was outside his home when he noticed smoke from the rear of his ranch-style home. Flames started to show and quickly spread up the rear of the home to the attic.
The Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston fire companies, with mutual aid assistance from North Brunswick and Franklin townships battled the blaze. Kendall Park First Aid also responded to the fire. The fire left the home uninhabitable. There were no injuries.
South Brunswick Fire Marshall John Funcheon indicated the fire was not suspicious but remains under active investigation.
Original MidJersey.news story here:
2-Alarm Fire Reported in South Brunswick
