Piscataway, New Jersey – Two Piscataway police officers are being praised after saving an impaired driver from a vehicle stuck on railroad tracks just before a freight train slammed into it.

The incident happened shortly after midnight on May 12 at the New Brunswick Avenue crossing. Officers D. Hinchcliffe and J. Ward arrived to find the driver unresponsive and sitting in the car on the tracks.

According to the Piscataway Police Department, the driver appeared impaired and was unable to follow instructions to exit the vehicle.

With a freight train rapidly approaching, the officers acted quickly. They pulled the man from the vehicle just seconds before the train crushed the car.

Dashcam footage captured the intense moment as the train struck the now-empty vehicle, reducing it to wreckage.

Officials say the officers’ immediate actions likely saved the man’s life.

“Their quick action prevented a potential tragedy,” the department stated. “We commend Officer Hinchcliffe and Officer Ward for their prompt and effective response.”

The driver’s name has not been released. The case is still under investigation.

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