On June 9th at 12:10pm, a dump truck owned by Mathis Construction and operated by James DiGuilio, 66, of Tuckerton was headed southbound on Route 539 approximately one mile south of Route 72 when it experienced an apparent severe mechanical failure which caused it to overturn.

DiGuilio was treated at the scene by MONOC paramedics and Quality Medical Transport personnel. He was transported to a landing zone at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s Coyle Field airstrip on Route 72. From there he was airlifted by New Jersey State Police Northstar helicopter to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

 

The preliminary investigation showed a major suspension component failed causing the load in the dump truck to shift abruptly which led to the vehicle becoming uncontrollable and ultimately overturning. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

 

Route 539 was closed between Route 72 and Warren Grove Rd for approximately 4 hours while the crash investigation was conducted and the Berkeley township hazardous materials response team supervised the cleanup of multiple gallons of diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid that was spilled as a result of the accident. Upon the completion of the investigation and cleanup at the scene, two heavy duty tow trucks from South Shore Towing were able to get the truck upright and removed from the scene.

 

The Barnegat Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating with assistance from the New Jersey State Police Commercial Carrier Safety Inspection Unit.

Also assisting was Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company, Warren Grove Volunteer Fire Company, and the Stafford Township Police Department.