FAIRFIELD, NJ – A dump truck veered off the road late Thursday night and crashed into the Cohansey River in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey. State Police Detective I Jeffrey Lebron provided details of the accident that led to the driver’s death, identified as 60-year-old Matthew Jacobs Jr. from Bridgeton.
According to the preliminary investigation, a Kenworth T880 was traveling southbound along County Route 553 when it ran off the road, breaking through the guardrail and plunging into the river.
The NJSP reported the accident happened at around around 11:30 p.m.
Two individuals were inside the dump truck at the time of the crash. The passenger miraculously managed to escape and was found atop the partially submerged vehicle by emergency responders. The passenger, listed in moderate condition, was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Search efforts began immediately for the driver. Sadly, a body matching the description of Mr. Jacobs was discovered along the water’s edge.
Recovery crews were observed pulling the truck from the water early Friday morning.
The cause of this accident remains under investigation by state police, and further details are awaited.