Tractor-Trailer Crashes Into Clifton Limo Business; Driver and One Other Rescued

A serious accident occurred early Monday morning, April 13, 2026, in Clifton, New Jersey, when a tractor-trailer slammed headfirst into a commercial building. The crash, which happened near Route 3 and Kensington Avenue, required a complex rescue operation to extricate the driver and another individual from the damaged structure.

Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

The crash occurred at approximately 2:22 a.m. On the eastbound exit ramp from Route 3 to Passaic Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing a “loud boom” around 2:30 a.m., leading them to discover the cab of the truck embedded deep within a two-story building. CBS News reports that the truck barely missed a neighboring home during the impact.

The rescue operation involved several agencies and specialized teams:

• Clifton Fire Department: Firefighters had to extricate the driver, who was trapped inside the cab for about an hour.
• Urban Search and Rescue: The state’s Urban Search and Rescue team assisted in searching the building and freeing a second person who was trapped on the second floor.
• PSE&G: Utility workers were called to the scene to shut off gas and electric service lines after the truck struck them, mitigating the risk of fire or explosions.

Impact on the Building and Business

The building, which houses a limo company called Toptown Limo Ride, sustained severe structural damage. According to News 12 New Jersey, the building’s garage is “in shambles,” and the structure is leaning, with bearing walls out of place. Clifton Fire Department Deputy Chief William Legates noted that the building was “at least 8 or 10 inches out of square,” making the interior precarious as the roof collapsed onto the truck’s cab.

A dispatcher for Toptown Limo Ride confirmed that whereas company vehicles were parked in the garage at the time of the crash, no drivers had reported for work yet, preventing further casualties.

Casualties and Cargo

The driver of the tractor-trailer, which featured a USA Truck logo, was transported to a local hospital. Responders stated he was alert and conscious, and his injuries are not expected to be life-threatening. The second person rescued from the upper floor is also expected to be okay.

The truck was hauling dog food at the time of the accident. Fire officials noted that the outcome could have been significantly worse had the trailer been carrying flammable materials.

Key Takeaways

• Time of Incident: Approximately 2:22 a.m. On Monday, April 13, 2026.
• Location: Eastbound exit ramp from Route 3 to Passaic Avenue, near Kensington Avenue, Clifton, NJ.
• Business Affected: Toptown Limo Ride.
• Injuries: Driver and one other person rescued; neither expected to have life-threatening injuries.
• Structural Status: Building is leaning and unstable; removal of the truck is expected to take most of the day.

Current Status and Investigation

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Clifton Building Department is currently working to assess the structure’s stability to safely remove the vehicle. Due to the severity of the structural damage and the need for stabilization, officials expect the removal process and associated road closures to last through most of the day.