Driver OK After Car Slams Into Tree in Pine Brook

A woman crashed into a tree and got caught in utility pole guide wires and was extricated by Pine Brook firefighters Thursday morning. 

A 54-year-old North Caldwell woman was driving northbound on Changebridge road in 2012 Acura MDX when she lost control of her car at about 10 a.m., said Montville police. 

She "left (the) roadway striking (a) tree then became lodged on top of utility pole guide wires," said Rudy Appelmann, Montville Police Captain.

Rebecca Holecko said she was driving by and saw the woman hit the big tree in front of Petals of Pine Brook Florist.

"The front part of the car is severely damaged.  I pulled over and told “Petals of Pine Brook” to call 911 right away," said Holecko. Two gentlemen later on stopped by and tried to get her out of the car before the (officer) arrived.  The car door was locked and they asked the woman “Unlock it! Unlock it!” but she was semi-unconscious and couldn’t move at all.  Eventually one of the gentlemen used a big stone and broke the window, unlocked the door, but still" had difficulties in pulling out the driver.

Appelmann added that the driver suffered minor injuries, but needed extrication from the Pine Brook Fire Department due to the angle of the car and damage to doors. Montville First Aid squad then brought her to Morristown Memorial Hospital.