2 People Rescued After Getting Trapped In Overturned Car In Rahway, NJ
RAHWAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A couple found themselves trapped in their vehicle in Rahway, New Jersey Thursday, after it flipped on a neighborhood street.
As CBS2's Steve Langford reported, police even acknowledge that the section of road where the accident happened has a track record of serious problems.
The incident took place on quiet West Lake Avenue near Princeton Avenue just before noon. Video from the scene shows the dark four-door vehicle flipped on its side.
Weather conditions at the time were perfect, and the speed limit on West Lake Avenue is just 25 mph.
"All of a sudden I just hear this big boom, like a bomb exploded," said homeowner Barbara Van Derstad.
Emergency personnel rescued the elderly couple, and despite the ominous appearance of the wreck, they were treated and released from a local hospital shortly afterward.
But for those who live along the road, there was a renewed sense of dread. It is not the first time an accident has happened on the road, and homeowners have pictures to prove it.
"I'm at a loss for words," said Lenny Van Derstad. "I don't even know what to say anymore."
Lenny Van Derstad said his home has become a crash pad for drivers who cannot seem to handle the nearby curve.
"We've probably had eight accidents or better over here," he said.
In 2015, a wreck left one car on its side and the other totaled right in the Van Derstads' front yard. In 2011, there was another crash involving two vehicles, and seven years ago, an errant driver ended up on the sidewalk and the Van Derstads' front lawn.
Lenny Van Derstad said his front lawn has become a danger zone.
"If we just come out here at night, we have to have lights and everything else to put the garbage out; turn the lights on; put a safety vest on," he said.
Next-door neighbor Albert Minott was in disbelief as he arrived on the scene.
"What's going on here?" he said. "Again?"
Minott recalled the car that smashed right into his property in January.
"Somebody run off the road, hit the tree, and flip over and land on the lawn," he said.
Barbara Van Derstad said it has come to the point where she and her husband have trouble sleeping at night.
"People entirely speed too much here," she said. "It's like a raceway, and they just lose control."
The latest crash could not help but prompt thoughts from some that it might be time to move.