Pickup Truck + Donuts + Frozen Lake = Dingus Level 10
A reckless stunt at the Jersey Shore is drawing criticism from local leaders and first responders after a pickup truck fell through the ice while doing donuts on a frozen lake in Ocean County, New Jersey.
The incident happened over the weekend at the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area. Video shared on social media shows the pickup spinning in circles on the ice before the surface gave way, leaving the truck stuck in the frozen lake.
Eagleswood Township Mayor Michael Pasternak summed it up bluntly, calling the incident, “Stupidity at its finest.”
First responders were called to the scene on Sunday, February 1, after someone spotted the truck in the ice and didn’t know if anyone was inside. Crews from three volunteer fire companies, including two water rescue teams, a dive team, and EMS, responded and treated it as a possible rescue situation.
Authorities later said the 44-year-old driver was not hurt and was able to get out of the vehicle on his own. However, officials say the driver never reported the incident.
New Jersey State Police issued the man multiple summonses, including reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. NBC10 also reported that the driver does not have a valid driver’s license.
Parkertown Volunteer Fire Company Captain Frank Runza Jr. said situations like this put more than just the stunt driver at risk, noting that responders must assume someone could be trapped until proven otherwise.
As of Thursday, February 5, it remains unclear if there is a plan to remove the truck from the lake.
