Fatal multi-vehicle crash on New Jersey Turnpike claims four lives, leaves one hospitalized

One person died in an early Sunday morning southbound New Jersey Turnpike crash in Salem County’s Carneys Point Township. One was badly injured and four died. Exit 1 and Delaware Memorial Bridge engaged at 12:40 a.m.

NJ State Police said a northbound pickup vehicle suddenly entered the south lanes and hit a southbound SUV head-on. Westminster, Colorado resident Chris Neff, 41, drove a Dodge pickup south. Southbound, the automobile impacted the SUV in the inside left lane. 19-year-old Lakewood native Yaakov Kilberg drove.

An F-450 tractor-trailer in the right lane behind the SUV hit it twice more. The 29-year-old Nova Scotia tractor-trailer driver survived. Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, Chaim Grossman, and SUV driver died in Lakewood. Neff was hospitalized with serious injuries. Incident is under investigated.

Turnpike accidents stopped northbound traffic. Medical and police personnel worked without highway traffic. The road was closed till midmorning for cleaning and restoration.

Police are examining how the car crossed a busy road. New Jersey State Police are investigating the tragedy. Possible drug, car, etc. issues. Drivers at night must be vigilant, obey signs, and not drink.

This incident shows why wrong-way driving on a major highway kills. One irresponsible motorist can create a crash that kills many innocents swiftly. Detectives are creating a chronology as the four young victims’ families grieve. Locals plan to reduce deaths.

Sources
NBC10 Philadelphia
6abc Philadelphia
ABC7 New York
KYW Newsradio