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.

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.

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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