Driver Rescued After Vehicle Crashes Into Millstone River in Montgomery

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township emergency crews responded to a dramatic crash on the evening of September 17, when a vehicle left the roadway and plunged into the Millstone River near the intersection of River Road and Belle Mead-Griggstown Road.

The incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. and prompted a large response from Montgomery Police, Fire Companies 1 and 2, Montgomery EMS, and the Griggstown Fire Company. According to police, the vehicle broke through a guardrail and came to rest partially submerged in the river.

Firefighters from Montgomery Fire Company 1 successfully rescued the driver and an adult passenger from the vehicle. Fortunately, neither occupant sustained serious injuries. Both were transported by Montgomery EMS to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for evaluation.

During the investigation at the scene, police determined the driver, a 20 year old East Brunswick resident, had consumed alcohol prior to operating the vehicle. The driver, who is under the legal drinking age, was arrested on charges of underage driving while intoxicated. Authorities said additional motor vehicle charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling east on Belle Mead-Griggstown Road when it failed to stop at the River Road intersection. The car crossed the roadway, struck the guardrail, and ultimately ended up in the Millstone River.

Montgomery Police said the investigation remains active.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com