NJ governor confirms fatalities from severe storm

PLAINFIELD, N.J. (PIX11) – At least three people have been killed due to severe thunderstorms and weather that hit Central Jersey on Thursday, city officials said.

One person died in North Plainfield, according to Mayor Lawrence J. La Ronde. Officials said two people in Plainfield, identified as 79-year-old Rocco Sansone and 25-year-old Brian Ernesto Valladares, were killed when a tree fell on the car they were in.

Gov. Phil Murphy wrote on X that there had been several fatalities. The towns of Plainfield, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, and Dunellen and some neighboring communities sustained damage, Murphy said.

A massive tree came down on a Jeep on Greenbrook Road in North Plainfield, bringing down utility wires. Some neighbors have blocked off streets on their own with rolling trash and recycling bins to keep people safe from fallen wires.

Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp has declared a state of emergency due to the damage across the city. He also canceled the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show held in Cedarbrook Park, as it’s been closed by the county for storm clean-up.

At the height of the storm, it’s estimated that 45,000 people were without power. Crews are working to restore the power by 6:30 a.m. on Friday.

New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley Line service was suspended in both directions between Plainfield and Bound Brook due to trees across the tracks. NJ Transit provided bus service while repairs were made.

Emergency responders advise people to stay away from downed powerlines, trees and any transformers while the clean-up and recovery effort continues.