Belleville, NJ (August 4, 2026) – A two-vehicle wreck sent one car into a two-and-a-half-story, two-family home at the corner of Tappan and Linden avenues in Belleville on Monday night, according to authorities. It happened shortly before 11 p.m. near 56 Tappan Avenue.
Emergency crews, including mutual aid from neighboring communities, responded to help secure the area and assess damage to the home. Injuries were reported, though the extent has not been released.
Belleville Mayor Frank Velez confirmed the incident and thanked first responders for their work. The cause remains under investigation.
We hope those injured have a full recovery.
Why Do Vehicles Sometimes Crash Into Homes at Corner Lots?
Corner properties sit at the intersection of two streets, which means they can be directly in a vehicle’s path if a driver loses control while approaching from either direction. A car leaving the roadway at an angle has less distance to travel before reaching a building close to the curb.
Multi-family homes built close to the street, especially older ones in dense residential areas, predate modern setback requirements that create more buffer space between traffic and structures. This can leave less room for a vehicle to come to a safe stop if it leaves the roadway.
After a vehicle strikes a home, crews typically inspect the structure for damage to support beams or walls before residents are allowed to remain inside. Even when a home looks largely intact from the outside, a serious impact can affect its structural integrity in ways that require a closer look before it’s declared safe.
