Dump truck carrying 39,000 pounds of sand turns onto its side after accident in Manchester, NJ

Manchester Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Monday morning crash where a dump truck carrying 39,000 pounds of sand fell onto its side along Route 70 and Manchester Boulevard/Beckerville Road.

Through their preliminary investigation, police said that they learned that there was a vehicle set to make a left turn from Route 70 onto Beckerville Road when suddenly a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox came along eastbound and tried to then pass the vehicle making the turn as they slowed down to do so.

As the Chevy Equinox was trying to pass by the other vehicle though, the driver collided with the driver side of a Peterbilt Dump Truck that was behind them.

The collision sent the Chevy Equinox up further along Route 70 before it came to a stop on the shoulder while the Dump Truck veered right, applied the brakes, and tried to steer in an effort to regain control of the wheel but ended up turning onto its side spilling large amount of the 39,000 pounds of sand it was hauling.

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Manchester Police said that the driver of the Chevrolet Equinox, 73-year-old Luis A. Cruz, of Whiting, did not suffer any injuries but the driver of the Peterbuilt Dump Truck, 64 year-old, Joseph W. Cook, of Ewing sustained several lacerations to his head and upper body.

Cook was then brought to Community Medical Center for treatment and evaluation of his injuries.

Police said that the crash investigation continues, but right now they believe that following too closely is the contributing factor.

This Monday morning crash on Route 70 is being investigated by Manchester Township Police Patrolman Conner Yatauro.