Montclair Fire Department: Driver injured when tree falls on car in Glen Ridge

The Montclair Fire Department responded after a tree fell on a car in Glen Ridge, trapping the driver inside, during Tuesday's storm.

Montclair Fire Deputy Chief Robert Duncan said Wednesday that the department got a report of a tree falling on a Volkswagen Jetta on Bloomfield Avenue in Glen Ridge at 5:02 p.m., and that the male driver was trapped inside.

Firefighters had to use chainsaws to cut away portions of the tree in order to gain access to the vehicle. They then used the Jaws of Life to open up the car, and then used a hydraulic ram to lift the tree enough off the car, since the man's legs were pinned under the dashboard.

The victim was stabilized and taken to an area hospital.

Montclair's Battalion 3, Truck 1, Engine 1 and Engine 3 responded, as did the Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Unit.

The storm brought 50-mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains. About 1,724 customers in Montclair lost power during the storm, according to PSE&G. Trees were reported down on Park Street and Elston, North Fullerton Avenue at the railroad crossing, High Street near Nishuane School, Walnut Street, Tuxedo Road, Riverview Drive, Midland Avenue, and Central Street near Valley Road. Crews worked through Wednesday clearing trees and debris and restoring power.