By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey State Police are investigating a crash involving a St. Barnabas ambulance and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Newark early Wednesday morning.
According to preliminary information, the collision occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of I-78 near Interchange 55.
Reports said the ambulance struck the rear of a tractor-trailer, leaving two EMTs trapped inside the vehicle.
Firefighters responded to the scene and worked to free the occupants from the heavily damaged ambulance.
Investigators later confirmed the ambulance was transporting a patient at the time of the crash. In total, four people were injured, including two EMTs, one adult patient, and one other person.
Emergency responders extricated the trapped victims and transported all injured parties to area hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries was not immediately available.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.
No information regarding the condition of the tractor-trailer driver was immediately released.
New Jersey State Police are actively investigating the crash.