By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County authorities charged an Essex County man with a fatal motor vehicle crash in Pequannock Township on May 8.
According to Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, the crash happened at approximately 5:18 a.m.
Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a 2020 Chevy Traverse and a dump truck at the intersection of Route 23 North and Alexander Avenue in Pequannock Township.
Prosecutor Carroll said the investigation revealed the Traverse was stopped at a red light when he was struck from behind by a dump truck. As a result, the Traverse caught fire.
Police say the dump truck driver and a bystander pulled the unconscious Traverse driver from the vehicle. Prosecutor Carroll said patrol officers and medical personnel unsuccessfully attempted rescue efforts, and the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police identified the dump truck driver as Mr. Angel Carabello-Maldona, 45, of Newark.
Prosecutor Carroll said Carabello-Maldona has been charged with second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide. Video surveillance revealed the driver was utilizing his cell phone during the crash.
The results of a post-mortem examination are pending.
Prosecutor Carroll said Carabello-Maldona has been lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, pending a first appearance in court.