Dump Truck Plows into a Target Store Injuring At Least 5 People (Video)

A routine shopping day at a Target in North Bergen, New Jersey, turned into chaos Friday afternoon when a dump truck barreled into the store, leaving a gaping hole in the building and injuring at least five people.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:21 PM. According to local authorities, the dump truck collided with a tractor-trailer on the nearby highway before careening off course and smashing into the store on Tonnelle Avenue.

Video footage captured by bystanders shows the truck embedded deep into the side of the building, its cab surrounded by debris. A witness described the scene as “terrifying,” adding, “I heard this loud explosion, and when I turned, all I saw was smoke and people running.”

Exclusive footage of the truck that crashed into the Target store in North Bergen. pic.twitter.com/RWiLXKgy9o

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Five people sustained injuries in the accident. Among them was a woman who was thrown from a bathroom stall inside the store, suffering severe injuries upon impact. Witnesses described rescue crews pulling victims from the rubble as firefighters worked to secure the building.

“Seeing people carried out was heartbreaking,” said a shopper who had been inside moments before the crash. “You don’t expect this when you’re just running errands.”

Several victims were transported to local hospitals. As of Friday afternoon, there were no reported fatalities, but officials stated that the condition of some individuals remained critical.

The crash caused significant damage to the Target store, with its façade left mangled and its operations halted indefinitely. The collision also disrupted traffic along Tonnelle Avenue, a major thoroughfare, as crews worked to clear the scene.

This isn’t the first time the busy corridor has seen accidents of this magnitude. Local activists have long called for improved traffic regulations in the area, citing its high volume of commercial vehicles and frequent crashes.

“North Bergen deserves better infrastructure to protect its residents,” said Councilmember Rosa Morales. “This should be a wake-up call for city and state officials to prioritize safety over convenience for big trucks.”

Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the initial collision between the dump truck and the tractor-trailer. Early reports suggest speed and possible mechanical failure may have been factors.

“Truck safety regulations are there for a reason,” said Ben Ortiz, a transportation safety advocate. “This incident shows the tragic consequences when something goes wrong.”

Emergency crews began removing the dump truck from the building around 3:55 PM, a process expected to take several hours. Target has yet to issue a statement about the store’s future operations.

In the aftermath of the crash, local leaders are urging the community to support the injured and their families. “We must come together to help those affected by this tragedy,” said Morales.

For now, the gaping hole in the Target building serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected dangers lurking in our daily lives—and the urgent need for systemic change to prevent future disasters.