In a heart-pounding rescue that was captured on video, two New Jersey police officers saved a man from a horrifying death after his vehicle got stuck on train tracks — just seconds before an oncoming train slammed into the car.
The incident happened shortly after midnight on May 12, 2025, at the New Brunswick Avenue railroad crossing in Piscataway Township, Middlesex County. The heroic act by Officers Devin Hinchcliffe and John Ward of the Piscataway Police Department has since drawn widespread praise.
Vehicle Stalled on Active Train Tracks
According to the Piscataway Township Police Department, dispatchers received a 911 call around 12:20 a.m. about a vehicle that appeared to be stuck on the tracks. Officers Hinchcliffe and Ward were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found a sedan sitting motionless across the tracks — a dangerous position given the frequency of freight trains on that line. The driver was reportedly dazed and unresponsive to initial commands.
“He was not alert enough to respond clearly. He looked confused, and there were concerns about his level of impairment,” one official said.
The officers urgently tried to get the man out, knowing that a train could come at any moment.
Dashcam Captures Dramatic Seconds Before Impact
Dashcam footage released by the Piscataway Police shows the officers struggling to remove the man from the driver’s seat. Officer Hinchcliffe opened the door while Officer Ward attempted to pull the man to safety. They had only seconds to act.
Just as the officers managed to drag the man away from the vehicle and clear the tracks, a freight train barreled through, smashing into the car and destroying it completely. The force of the collision sent debris flying in all directions.
Had the rescue taken even a second longer, the outcome could have been tragic.
“The timing was beyond critical. These officers didn’t hesitate,” said a department spokesperson. “Their courage and quick thinking made the difference between life and death.”
Driver May Have Been Under the Influence
Authorities have not publicly identified the driver, but they did confirm he appeared impaired at the time of the incident. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. No injuries were reported, but the case remains under investigation.
As of now, no formal charges have been filed. However, police say they are looking into possible DUI or reckless endangerment charges.
Public Reaction and Praise for Officers
After the video was released, the footage quickly went viral across social media and national news outlets. Viewers across the country praised Officers Hinchcliffe and Ward for their bravery.
“They are true heroes. They put their lives on the line without thinking twice,” one commenter wrote.
Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler also released a statement commending the officers:
“This is exactly what we mean when we talk about public servants who go above and beyond. The actions of these two officers saved a man’s life, and we are proud to have them serving our community.”
Emergency Protocols and Safety Concerns
The incident has also sparked conversation about vehicle safety around train crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were more than 2,100 collisions at railroad crossings in the United States in 2023, resulting in over 270 fatalities.
The New Brunswick Avenue crossing, while not known for frequent incidents, is a live freight line. Officials reminded drivers to be cautious and never try to cross if warning signals are active or visibility is compromised.
Local law enforcement also encouraged drivers to avoid the area if impaired and to seek assistance instead.
“Calling a cab, rideshare, or a friend is always the better option. Incidents like this are completely preventable,” said Officer Ward in a brief comment to the media.
The department confirmed that both officers will be recognized for their actions at an upcoming township ceremony.
For information about train safety and accident reporting in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the driver’s condition and how the vehicle ended up on the tracks is still ongoing. Authorities are reviewing traffic camera footage and conducting toxicology tests.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Piscataway Police Department.