MONTVALE—Amid the chaos of Monday night’s bus crash on the Garden State Parkway, one young man emerged as a hero. Matt Goldman, a longtime volunteer EMT with the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, was driving home when he saw the overturned bus near Exit 172. Without hesitation, he pulled over and began assisting the children and young men trapped inside. When he learned that a 14-year-old boy was pinned beneath the wreckage, Matt used his emergency training to provide aid until additional first responders arrived.
Now, Montvale is set to honor Matt as its 2025 Hometown Hero in a special ceremony this Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the borough’s mayor and council meeting. Even New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy personally called him to express gratitude.
Bus Overturns on Garden State Parkway
The crash, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. Monday, involved a yellow school bus carrying 31 passengers from Lakewood to New Square, N.Y., for a post-wedding celebration. The bus overturned near mile marker 170.9, close to the James Gandolfini Service Area, which was recently renovated in a $250 million project.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including New Jersey State Police, Montvale Volunteer Fire Department, Pascack Valley EMS, Rockland Hatzoloh, and Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, rushed to the scene. According to reports, the bus was found on its side, facing the wrong way, with skid marks visible on a nearby embankment.
Officials confirmed that 29 young men and two adults sustained injuries. Thirteen were taken to area hospitals, and the most seriously injured—a 14-year-old boy—was transported to a trauma center in critical condition after being trapped beneath the bus.
Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali provided updates throughout the night, reporting that the most seriously injured victim “now has a pulse” after initial life-saving efforts. By 9:30 p.m., Ghassali referred all inquiries to the New Jersey State Police.
A Young EMT’s Heroic Response
According a post from Ghassali on March 11, Goldman, who had been driving behind the bus, was the first to pull over and help. He immediately assisted passengers in exiting the overturned vehicle. As he helped the children and young men, he was alerted that a boy was still trapped underneath the wreckage.
Using his six years of EMT experience, Goldman provided lifesaving aid to the injured boy until additional emergency crews arrived. Firefighters from Woodcliff Lake and Montvale worked together to lift the bus, with Paramus Fire Department dispatching a heavy-duty tow truck for added support.
Once the bus was lifted, all 31 occupants were rescued. Rockland Hatzoloh transported the 13 injured boys to local hospitals for treatment.
Community Praise and Recognition
In the wake of the crash, the Montvale community is rallying behind Goldman. Residents have flooded social media with messages praising his quick thinking and calling him “an angel arriving at the right moment.”
A Future in Healthcare
Matt’s actions reflect his long-standing commitment to emergency service. He became a certified EMT at just 16 years old while still in high school and has volunteered with the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps for nearly six years. Inspired by his experience, he pursued a career in healthcare and is set to graduate this May with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
As of the latest update, the 14-year-old boy remains in critical condition. Community members continue to offer prayers for his recovery. The New Jersey State Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and further details are expected in the coming days.