Ten-Car Accident Snarls Traffic, Sends Driver to Hospital

UPDATED: A multi-car accident at the convergence of I-78 and route 24 landed one driver in the hospital and backed up traffic for several hours this morning.

At 7:12 a.m., members of the Springfield fire department responded to a 10-vehicle crash on Route 24 West. A State trooper said the accident began when a car drove hit an oil slick and lost control. Several other cars crashed into each other after the initial accident.

Fire fighters evaluated three victims of the crash for injuries. Two victims declined medical treatment and Springfield’s First Aid Squad transported one driver to Overlook Hospital. The driver was released after being checked for complaints of neck pain.

Representatives of the state's Department of Transportation brought a sand truck to cover the oil spill that stretched from the GSP at Route 78 West to JFK Parkway at Route 24 West.

Springfield Fire Chief James Sanford said New Jersey State Police and NJ DOT remained on the scene for the clean up. Springfield Police responded to the initial call. Summit and Millburn Fire Department arrived on the scene, but were released.

The road was cleared by 9:45 a.m.