Tractor-trailer carrying logs overturns near Little Falls day care playground; no injuries reported

The truck driver tells News 12 New Jersey that he was having an issue with his brakes and could not stop.

Matt Trapani and Joti Rekhi

May 7, 2024, 9:15 PM

Updated 232 days ago

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A tractor-trailer carrying dozens of logs overturned just steps away from a day care playground in Little Falls.
The truck driver told News 12 New Jersey that he was having an issue with his brakes and could not stop. The driver works for A&M Affordable Landscaping Tree Service. He says he chopped down some trees last week and was cleaning them up on Tuesday.
The driver was not seriously hurt, but the truck sustained damage. It took crews about three hours to upright the truck and get it off the playground.
The playground fences were said to be mangled.
The incident happened at Bright Beginners Academy. Parents tell News 12 that the day care contacted them to come pick up their children early. No children were on the playground at the time of the crash.
Kariny Ataide has two young daughters who attend the day care.
“They play [in the playground] every day, so thank God everything’s OK and the driver’s OK,” said Ataide. “The kids were napping."
Jeff Lubalin got a closer look at the impact when he came to pick up his two-year-old.
“It looks like the truck went over on its side. There’s a lot of dents along the way and the gas tank is smushed,” said Lubalin.
PSE&G crews were also on the scene securing some nearby utility poles.