37°
West Milford police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a motor vehicle crash with injuries at 10:54 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, according to police. Officers Peter Wunk and Nicholas Soltesz arrived at the scene on Clinton Road to find a 2023 Subaru sedan smoking off the side of the road, authorities said.
As Officer Wunk assisted the driver, Ryan Devlin, of Butler, and his passenger, an 18-year-old man also from Butler, the vehicle suddenly caught fire, igniting nearby brush, police said.
A Good Samaritan and Officer Wunk pulled Devlin from the burning car while Officer Soltesz rescued the passenger, officials said. West Milford Fire Department quickly arrived and put out the flames.
Both teens suffered serious injuries and were rushed to St. Joseph’s University Hospital in Paterson by West Milford First Aid Squad, Atlantic EMS, and paramedics.
Officers Wunk and Soltesz sustained minor injuries and were taken to Chilton Hospital, where they were treated and released early Sunday morning.
Police said the Subaru was heading north on Clinton Road when it failed to navigate a curve near the Terrace Pond parking area, veered off the road, and went down a slight embankment.
The crash remains under active investigation. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Officer Peter Wunk or Lt. Gary Yarnall at 973-728-2802.
Emergency responders from West Milford Fire Companies 3, 5, 6, Fire Commissioner 801, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service assisted at the scene.
Click here to follow Daily Voice West Milford and receive free news updates.
