ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — One person died Monday morning after their vehicle was rear-ended by a dump truck on Route 23 in Pequannock Township, reports local media.
The fatal collision occurred on the northbound lanes at the intersection with Alexander Avenue at around 5:18 a.m.
A preliminary investigation shows the victim was in a 2020 Chevy Traverse that was stopped at a red light when it was hit from the back by a waste truck.
According to authorities, the truck driver and one other bystander pulled the Traverse driver out of the wrecked vehicle, which had caught fire from the impact of the crash.
The Traverse driver, who was left unconscious, was pronounced deceased at the scene despite rescue efforts from responding patrol officers and medical crew members. Local agencies have not disclosed the victim’s identity at this time.
Surveillance footage has since revealed the dump truck driver, a 45-year-old man from Newark, was using a cell phone at the time of the wreck. He faces a charge of “second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide.”
In adherence to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, he has been booked into Morris County Correctional Facility as he awaits his first court appearance.
If someone you care about was killed or severely injured in an accident, there may be a lot going through your head. The NJ injury attorneys of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers have helped people like you fight for justice. We will discuss all of your legal options with you, free of charge. Call (973) 364-8300 to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Note: This blog reports on the types of cases our firm has extensive experience handling. It is painful to learn of the prevalence of these serious accidents, and it is our sincere hope that future catastrophes can be avoided. Our blog posts are written from scouring recent news stories. As more information is revealed, these stories may be updated. If the information in this blog article is outdated or false, please let us know so we can add updates or corrections.
Disclaimer: By showing the frequency of these serious accidents, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers hopes that more will be done to prevent them. Another aim is to give readers information that can be used to help them reduce the likelihood they are involved in a serious accident. Content on our blog is not legal advice.