MVA Rollover w/Injuries

[Lt. Robert Osborn]

On 6/7/16 at 8:14a.m., Newton Police responded to a report of a roll over motor vehicle accident with injury on Woodside Avenue (Rt.206).

Investigation revealed that Rene Vega, age 30, of Hopatcong was operating a 2003 Ford E250 utility van northbound on Woodside Avenue when his cell phone fell to the floor and he bent over to try and pick it up prior to colliding with a tow behind compressor that was attached to a 2010 Newton Water & Sewer Chevrolet pick-up truck.  The town vehicle was parked on the northbound shoulder of the roadway with its overhead caution lights activated when it was struck by the utility van that overturned onto its driver's side.  The compressor then struck the right arm of Jason Vandergroef, age 21, of Andover and Ervin Lasso, age 53, of Lafayette, both Town of Newton Water and Sewer employees.

 

As a result, Lasso sustained injuries to his left leg, wrist, chest and head. He was airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.  Vandergroef was treated and released from the Newton Medical Center.  Vega was uninjured.

Vega was issued the following summonses:

39:4-97   Careless Driving

39:3-29   Failure to Exhibit Driver’s License

 

Woodside Avenue was closed to motorists for approximately 1 ½ hours while emergency personnel were present at scene.

 

Water and Sewer employees were present on the shoulder of the roadway preparing to conduct valve work for upcoming water main repairs.

Investigating Officers:

Sgt. Michael Monaco, Ptl. Kenneth Teets, Ptl. Shawn Burke, Lt. Mark Zappa, DSG. Dean Coppolella, Det. Steve VanNieuwland. 

 

Assisting agencies: Andover Police Department, Newton First Aid Squad, Atlantic Ambulance, Newton Fire Department, Andover Twp. Fire Department and St. Clare’s Medics and Atlantic Air 3.