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A multi-vehicle crash on Grubb Rd in Wallington left a scene of twisted metal and shattered glass outside a local nursery this morning, April 15, 2025, forcing emergency crews to shut down part of the roadway for hours.
Witnesses described the sound of screeching tires followed by a loud bang as several cars collided near the entrance of the Wallington Children’s Center. “It was like a bomb went off. One car was completely smashed up, and another was on its side,” said Robert Harris, a nearby resident who heard the impact from his home. “I saw people running out of the nursery to check on the drivers.”
The Wallington Police Department confirmed that units responded to the scene at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time. According to Lt. James Morris, a total of four vehicles were involved, including a minivan and two sedans. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but initial reports suggest that a driver may have failed to stop at the intersection, triggering a chain reaction.
“We are still piecing together what happened. Our officers are interviewing witnesses and reviewing traffic camera footage,” Morris said. He added that at least two people were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A third person was treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises.
The crash occurred directly in front of the Wallington Children’s Center, a nursery and daycare facility. Fortunately, no children or staff were injured, as the accident happened before the morning drop-off rush. The nursery was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution, but operations resumed within an hour.
Traffic on Grubb Rd was diverted between Summit Avenue and Union Boulevard for nearly three hours as tow trucks cleared the wreckage. Drivers were advised to use alternative routes via Route 1&9 or Queen Anne Road. By noon, all lanes had reopened.
This is not the first time Grubb Rd has seen a serious accident. Local residents have long called for traffic-calming measures, including a stoplight or a speed bump, near the nursery. “It’s a dangerous stretch. Cars come flying down here, especially in the morning. Something needs to be done before someone gets killed,” said Maria Torres, a neighbor who walks her children past the site every day.
The Wallington Borough Council is scheduled to discuss road safety improvements at its next meeting on April 22. In the wake of today’s crash, council members are expected to fast-track a proposal for a traffic study at the intersection.
“We’re thankful it wasn’t worse, but this is a wake-up call,” said Councilwoman Patricia O’Connor. “The nursery is a vulnerable point. We need to prioritize safety for families and commuters alike.”
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has been contacted for comment on whether any state-funded safety projects are planned for Grubb Rd. As of this afternoon, no response has been received.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact the Wallington Police Department at (973) 555-0199.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.
