Downed power line causes tragic accident

TINTON FALLS - - A downed wire was the cause of a serious accident in Tinton Falls on Thursday night that left a resident in critical condition.

William Hagerman Jr. was badly burned as he tried to exit his car after he rode over a live wire that was on the ground in his driveway on Pear Street in the northern section of the borough, near Newman Springs Road.

Hagerman was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center and subsequently rushed by helicopter to the burn unit at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, where he was listed in critical condition.

Capt. David Travena said Tinton Falls police had responded to a report of a downed wire and officers were in the process of blocking the street off when they heard screaming.

"The police officers that were there said the man's clothes caught on fire. Police were able to put it out with a fire extinguisher," he said. "Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) workers were also in the area working on downed lines and were able to turn the power off within a minute."