Montclair, NJ (August 5, 2026) – Firefighters freed a person trapped inside an overturned vehicle after a two-car wreck at Valley Road and Lorraine Avenue earlier this week, according to the Montclair Fire Department on Monday. Crews already committed to another call were dispatched to the crash and found the occupant still inside the car on its side.
Crews stabilized the vehicle, removed the windshield, and pulled the occupant out through the front opening before turning them over to the Montclair Ambulance Unit for evaluation. Firefighters stayed until both vehicles were removed and the roadway reopened, with help from the Montclair Police Department.
The department asked drivers to slow down and move over when passing crews working in the roadway.
We hope the occupant has a full recovery.
Why Do Crews Remove a Windshield to Extricate Someone From an Overturned Car?
When a vehicle comes to rest on its side, the usual points of entry, like doors, can become difficult or impossible to open due to the way the frame has shifted. A windshield offers a wide, more accessible opening once it’s carefully removed, giving crews a clearer path to reach someone inside.
Removing a windshield requires specialized tools and technique, since the glass and surrounding frame need to come away without shifting the vehicle further or risking additional harm to the person trapped inside. Crews typically stabilize the vehicle first to prevent any unexpected movement during this process.
This method is especially useful when a car has rolled onto its side, since it can provide more direct access than trying to force open a jammed door. Choosing the safest extrication point depends on exactly how the vehicle came to rest and where the trapped person is positioned inside.
