W. Caldwell Resident Slams Minivan Into Utility Pole

Police are investigating what caused a West Caldwell mother's minivan to veer off the road Wednesday afternoon and snap a utility pole on Bloomfield Avenue adjacent to Crane Park.

According to West Caldwell Police Chief Michael Bramhall, Julianne Grosso, 33, of West Caldwell, was heading westbound on Bloomfield Avenue with her 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, who were each in rear car seats, when her minivan struck a utility pole at about 12:30 p.m.

The West Essex First Aid Squad responded to the scene, but no injuries were reported, Bramhall said.

Grosso told police she didn't experience any vehicle defects and just lost control of the minivan, Bramhall said.

The impact caused significant front-end damage to the vehicle, while snapping the pole. PSE&G worked for several hours to replace the pole, while police cleared the scene at about 2:10 p.m., Bramhall said.

The accident remains under investigation by Officer Ed Bierals.