By: Richard L. Smith
NJ State Police are looking into the cause of a crash that occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike, leading to the tragic death of a Union County man.
NJ State Police officials have confirmed their involvement in the investigation of a motor vehicle crash and subsequent fire at Interchange 16W, milepost 112.7, in East Rutherford.
According to the preliminary findings, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:47 a.m. when a Toyota pickup truck, heading west on the Turnpike's interchange 16W exit, collided with the concrete abutment of a toll plaza.
The impact was severe enough to cause the vehicle to overturn. Following the crash, the Toyota rapidly engulfed in flames.
Tragically, the driver of the Toyota, a 26-year-old man from Summit, sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
NJ State Police are actively investigating the circumstances that led to this fatal incident as the Union County community mourns the loss of a local resident.