Bergen County Driver Injured After Deer Crashes Onto SUV From Parkway Overpass in Paramus
A routine drive through Bergen County took a frightening turn Tuesday evening when a deer fell from an overpass and crashed onto an SUV traveling below, leaving the driver injured and temporarily trapped inside her vehicle.
The unusual accident happened around 7:15 p.m. on Paramus Road in Paramus. According to local authorities, police responded to reports of a collision involving a deer and a vehicle. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that a deer had fallen from a Garden State Parkway overpass and landed directly on a sport utility vehicle traveling northbound on Paramus Road.
The vehicle involved in the incident was a 2025 Hyundai Tucson driven by a 44-year-old woman from Hackensack. Authorities said the SUV was traveling in the right lane when the deer struck the vehicle from above.
The impact caused extensive damage to the SUV. Police said the force of the collision significantly damaged the driver’s side door frame, preventing the woman from exiting the vehicle on her own. As a result, she became trapped inside the SUV immediately after the crash.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist. With the help of Paramus Police Officer Joseph Mastrofilipo, the driver was able to safely exit the damaged vehicle. Authorities said the rescue was completed without further complications.
The woman suffered injuries in the incident and received medical treatment. Officials stated that her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The deer was found dead near the scene following the incident.
The accident highlights the unpredictable hazards that can occur on New Jersey roadways, particularly when wildlife is involved. While deer-related vehicle collisions are not uncommon in the state, incidents involving an animal falling from an overpass onto a moving vehicle are extremely rare.
Authorities have not reported any additional injuries, and the incident remains an unusual example of how quickly road conditions can change for motorists. Traffic in the area was affected while emergency crews responded and ensured the scene was safe.
The investigation determined that the crash involved only the single vehicle and the deer. No further information about the circumstances leading to the deer falling from the overpass was immediately released.
Sources
- Paramus Police Department
- Statement from Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti