Date Published: 2023/06/02
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — A man faces multiple charges after a crash last Saturday, May 27, in Mantua Township that claimed the life of his 8-year-old son, reports Daily Voice.
The fatal wreck occurred on the northbound lanes of Route 55 at milepost 52.9, in the Sewell area. It was first reported at around 1:47 p.m.
An early investigation indicates the man, Franklin Diaz Sr., was driving a Subaru when he used the center grass median and left shoulder to pass vehicles. At one point, the Subaru collided with the driver’s side of a Honda and lost control. The Subaru veered off the left edge of the pavement before hitting an overpass abutment and catching fire.
Officials confirmed an 8-year-old passenger in the backseat of the Subaru, Diaz’s son, died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.
First responders transported an adult passenger and another child to an area hospital, but both patients have since been treated and released.
Diaz, who remains hospitalized with unspecified injuries, faces charges of “endangering the welfare of a child” and “causing death while driving with a suspended license.”
Authorities had the left lane of NJ-55 northbound blocked for around 6 hours during the response, causing significant delays in the area.
An investigation remains ongoing.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers