Two tow truck operators contracted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation witnessed a utility vehicle crash off Route 295 in West Deptford and plunge into the Hessian Run Tributary on February 26, 2026, according to NJ1015 and the Philadelphia Inquirer. John Reilly and Dalton Applegate of Johnson Specialized Towing ran down the embankment and into the water to cut the seat belts of both trapped occupants before emergency services arrived. Both occupants were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The NJDOT said it was proud to contract with companies that value the safety of others. A fuel spill from the wreckage triggered a hazmat response by the U.S. Coast Guard and state DEP.
Operator takeaway
Share this story — two tow operators went into a creek to save lives without hesitation, and their contract client publicly praised them for it.