HILLSDALE, N.J. — A large tree crashed into the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service headquarters early Friday morning, causing extensive structural damage but narrowly missing a crew member inside the building.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. Friday, June 26, at the ambulance headquarters, 340 Washington Ave., when a tree split and multiple large branches fell onto the building, according to a statement from ambulance service President Mark Richards and Chief John Beatty.
Officials said the falling tree punched through the roof, damaged the building’s truss structure and crashed into the agency’s meeting room. A per-diem ambulance crew member who had been sitting on a couch inside the room heard the tree striking the roof and ran to safety moments before the branches came through.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield said in a statement that “most importantly, no one was hurt.”
Despite the damage, the agency’s ambulance was not struck and was safely removed from the building, allowing emergency medical services to continue without interruption.
The Hillsdale Fire Department immediately offered space in its firehouse for the ambulance service, relocating its own apparatus to accommodate the ambulance. Firefighters also helped move medical equipment needed to restock emergency vehicles, while the department offered use of its facilities until further notice.
Power and natural gas were shut off to the damaged building while emergency crews assessed the scene. Downes Tree Service was called to remove the fallen tree.
Responding agencies and officials included the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service, Hillsdale Fire Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Works, Building Department, Mayor Michael Sheinfield, Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali, PSE&G, Downes Tree Service and others, according to the ambulance service.
Ambulance service officials said the process of resolving the damage will likely take many months.
“Although our building is closed until further notice, our service and commitment to the community remains,” Richards and Beatty said. “We will be actively here to support our residents and visitors alike with the same swift response and care that you have come to expect from Hillsdale EMS.”
The borough said the situation remains ongoing and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
