Kids Freed Themselves From Fatal Wreck, Cops Say

Two children freed themselves from a pickup truck after a tree fell on the vehicle during the height of Tropical Storm Sandy, killing their parents Monday night in Mendham Township, police said.

The 14- and 11-year-olds managed to exit the rear of the pickup truck by the time responders made it to the scene on North Gate Road shortly before 7:30 p.m., Mendham Township Police Lt. Vito Abrusci said. 

The children informed the officers their parents were still in the truck and while one officer administered first aid to the children, two other officers and a pair of Good Samaritans began to try to free the parents, Abrusci said.

According to Abrusci, the tree had fallen onto and caused severe damage to the cab of the pickup truck.

The husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene, Abrusci said. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin and completion of the investigation.

The Ralston Fire Department, the Mendham Township First Aid Squad and the Chester Fire Co. arrived on scene to help complete the extrication.

According to Abrusci, the children were transported to the Morristown Medical Center for treatment.

Investigating agencies included the Mendham Township Police Department, and officer from Chester Borough Police, the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office and the Morris County Sheriff's Office.