Atlantic City Expressway Toll Plaza fire kills NJ driver

State police say a South Jersey driver died Thursday night after his SUV crashed into a toll plaza and caught fire on the Atlantic City Expressway.

Police identified the victim as 36-year-old Hammonton resident John Warlow. His Ford SUV hit the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza at milepost 17.6 in Atlantic County westbound. Despite the pandemonium, emergency crews arrived before 8 p.m.

Car burns after crash

After hitting the toll booth, Warlow’s automobile burned. News footage showed the SUV on its side under a toll booth after firefighters extinguished the fire. Three fire trucks put out the fire and guaranteed safety.

A witness’s camera caught flames soaring into the night sky before firefighters could put it out. Whether Warlow died on site or at a hospital is unknown.

State Police probe

New Jersey State Police are investigating the crash’s cause. No medical, speeding, or technological news was released.

The highway operator, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, has not addressed the toll plaza’s fire damage or traffic impact.

Apologies for Toll Plaza Accidents

Two brothers and their 14-year-old sister died in a December 2021 car crash into the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza and caught fire. A 12-year-old girl was barely hurt.

The tragedy raises safety and speeding concerns near major Jersey road toll booths.

Community shock

Warlow’s death startled Hammonton neighbors. A toll plaza crash reminded daily Atlantic City Expressway users how easily local traffic tragedies may occur.

Authorities warn drivers to drive carefully at toll booths during the event’s review.