Newark, NJ (June 18, 2026) – Four people were injured early on Wednesday morning, June 17, after an ambulance collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Newark, according to New Jersey State Police.
Authorities said the crash occurred at approximately 2 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-78 near Interchange 55. Preliminary findings indicate that a St. Barnabas ambulance struck the rear of a tractor-trailer while traveling along the highway.
The impact left two emergency medical technicians trapped inside the ambulance. Firefighters responded to the scene and worked to extricate the occupants from the heavily damaged vehicle.
Investigators later confirmed that the ambulance was transporting a patient at the time of the collision. Officials said four people were injured in total, including the two EMTs, an adult patient, and one other person. All were transported to area hospitals for treatment after being freed from the wreckage.
The extent of the victims’ injuries was not immediately released. Authorities have also not provided information regarding the condition of the tractor-trailer driver.
New Jersey State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Rear-End Collisions Involving Emergency Vehicles
Crashes involving ambulances and other emergency vehicles pose unique challenges for investigators because of the nature of emergency medical transport operations. Authorities review vehicle speeds, traffic conditions, roadway visibility, and driver actions leading up to the collision.
Rear-end crashes involving large commercial vehicles can result in significant damage due to the size and weight differences between the vehicles. Emergency responders may face complicated extrication efforts when occupants become trapped inside heavily damaged vehicles.
Investigators typically examine physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage patterns, witness statements, and electronic data when available. These findings can help determine the factors that contributed to the collision and whether any additional safety measures may be warranted.
