Witnesses describe the moment a New Jersey Turnpike wall collapsed

ELIZABETH, N.J. (PIX11) — A heart-racing moment was captured when a noise barrier wall from the New Jersey Turnpike crashed onto Elizabeth Avenue and Fourth Street on Monday night.

State Police say a preliminary investigation found that a tractor-trailer overturned and struck the wall in the southbound outer lanes of the turnpike. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police.

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No injuries were reported, according to Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage.

“The whole block was blocked off and cops were everywhere,” said neighbor Shaquan Mosley. “I was surprised. It was just weird. It’s crazy, so random though.”

The incident happened during a time when shops in the business district were winding down for the day when all of a sudden, witnesses recall hearing a loud ‘boom.’

“The sound was tremendous,” said Genaro Nicasio, who was standing just a few feet away. Nicasio said he was gathering with a few workers at the barbershop next door and enjoying the nice weather when the wall came down.

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The rubble was cleaned up in time for the morning commute after a long night for emergency responders. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority said four noise barrier panels will be replaced, however, no timetable is available.

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