WOODBRIDGE, NJ – Mayor John E. McCormac today reported that an employee of the Woodbridge Department of Public Works, Parks Division, was struck by lightning at approximately 12:21 pm while working at assigned duties at the Iselin Middle School.

DPW worker Eric Baumgartner, 39, an 18-year member of the DPW, was lining the soccer field at the Iselin Middle School when a fast-moving thunder/lighting storm unexpectedly appeared with a single lightning bolt striking Baumgartner before he and co-workers were able to secure shelter.

Co-workers immediately called 9-1-1 and reported the emergency and location.  WPD Officer R.J. McPartland, a three-year veteran of the WPD and a certified EMT, was the assigned on-duty officer at J.F.K. High School that is located next to the Iselin Middle School.  Officer McPartland arrived on the scene within minutes and immediately initiated CPR and was able to restore a pulse to Baumgartner.   Responding EMT’s and EMS transported Baumgartner to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center where he is reported in stable condition.

Mayor McCormac, WPD Police Director Robert Hubner, DPW Director George Brew and WPD Officer R.J. McPartland addressed the media at the scene at 2:00 pm.  The official statement can be viewed at:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8yviqi1ynk9xg12/6-14-2023%20Press%20Conference.mov?dl=0