Aftermath of Marmora crash on Sept. 5 at the Econolodge. Photo by Harry B. Scheeler Jr.

MARMORA — At 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 5, a vehicle drove into the side of the Econo Lodge motel, 119 Route 9 South, and ruptured a gas line.

Volunteer firefighters from Marmora, Tuckahoe and Seaville responded to the scene, as did Upper Township Rescue and N.J. State Police.
Police said the driver, Krishnamo Turaiyur-Rathman was issued a summons for careless driving. He told police that he lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to park. He hit an above-ground natural gas line.

The area was sealed off, and traffic was stopped as a precaution.

At 2 p.m., workers from Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas Co. were working to restore service to the motel.

In the meantime, the motel was evacuated as the structure was ventilated, and searched.

A tow truck removed the vehicle from the motel.