Authorities have confirmed that a 5-year-old Rahway girl was killed this morning in a crash that involving an SUV and two tractor trailers.
According to authorities, a Honda SUV for unknown reasons struck a barrier on the turnpike and became disabled on the southbound side near Exit 8.
Shortly after, a tractor-trailer - driven by Lawrence Kulakowksi, 69, of Philadelphia - attempted to pull over to protect the disabled Honda however a second tractor-trailer, driven by Adad Ortega, 49, of Corona, struck the Honda against the barrier and subsequently slammed into his truck. All three vehicles were engulfed in flames.
According to police, the Honda’s driver, Ana Alvarez-Marquita, 31, of Rahway, suffered minor injuries, while her 5-year-old daughter was ejected from the Honda and died from her injuries.
The two tractor-trailer drivers also suffered minor injuries, police added.
Police did say the child was not properly secured at the time of the crash however added that it's unclear at this time how long the Honda may have been disabled explaining why the child may have been unsecured when the vehicle was struck.
The crash remains under investigation.
Photo/video: Detective Dave Police/Fire/EMS
https://youtu.be/VoffW8BNt9A