A South Jersey man faces charges after crashing into a home Thursday. Watch video
PENNSVILLE TWP. -- A retired emergency dispatch worker in South Jersey was the one who called for help early Thursday after waking up to find his home in flames after a vehicle had rammed through his living room wall, authorities said.
Hank Walters, who lived in his Pennsville Township home for about 50 years, and his wife, Kathy, were lucky to survive the blaze that ignited after a pickup truck crashed into a gas line and then into the home.
Walters -- who recently retired from the Salem County 911 Dispatch Center -- and his wife quickly escaped the house with their pets.
"We got up and I went to the living room and saw flames. I got the birds out right away, and the dog. We weren't worried about none of the stuff," Walters said, adding that his home was fully engulfed.
The accident occurred at 4:20 a.m. on the corner of North Hook Road and Dunlap Avenue. The pickup truck was driven by Joshua Fisher, 31, according to Police Chief Allen J. Cummings.
Fisher, also of Pennsville, was traveling northbound on Hook Road when police believe he attempted to pass another vehicle, but ended up hitting it.
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After striking the other vehicle, Fisher crossed through a property, just missing a utility pole, fire hydrant, and tree, before crashing into the living room section of the house, according to Cummings. Before going through the home's wall the truck hit the gas line, which ignited the fire.
The other vehicle was found farther up the road with two occupants. Neither of them, nor Fisher were injured, police said.]
North Hook Road was temporarily closed Thursday morning between King and Churchtown Roads as emergency personnel and fire crews worked to extinguish the fire.
While heavily damaged, the building was sound enough for the Walters to attempt to salvage what belongings that they could once the fire was out.
Cummings said Fisher was issued a sobriety test which he passed.
Later Thursday, in connection with the crash, Fisher was charged with reckless driving, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (suspected marijuana), hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence and driving with a suspended license, according to Cummings.
Tragedy strikes often and sometimes in hits close to home. Our thoughts this morning are with Hank Walters, recently...
Posted by Salem County (NJ) Fire Academy on Thursday, March 17, 2016
Neighboring fire departments in Salem County responded to the scene to assist.
"It was a great turnout for the fire departments to get here and get the fire out. The house was totally engulfed upon arrival and it was really good work," Cummings said.
Walters worked for the county dispatch center from Oct. 1988 to Oct. 2013.
"Hank not only was a dedicated employee for 25 years, he became a dedicated leader at our 911 center. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as they work through this devastating loss of their home," Salem County Undersheriff John Cuzzupe, who is in charge of the dispatch center, said.
"Hank knows from our visit this morning that his former co-workers are here to support him."
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.