NJ State Police are investigating the cause of a car that killed a child and injured three others on the NJ Turnpike in Middlesex County Friday night.
According to a statement released by NJ State Police, Troopers responded to a motor vehicle accident at approximately 10:52 p.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound on the outer roadway mile marker 69, Cranbury.
Officials say a preliminary investigation indicated that a Toyota Camry and Volvo tractor-trailer were traveling southbound on the highway in the area of milepost 69 when the Volvo struck the rear of the Toyota.
Officials say as a result of the collision, the driver of the Volvo, Mr. Euclides R. Santos , 53, of New York, NY, suffered moderate injuries.
According to State Police officials, the driver of the Toyota, Ms. Kazara P. Leacock, 24, of Randallstown, Maryland, suffered moderate injuries.
Officials said the passe her of the Toyota, Messiah Gray, 1, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced at the scene.
According to police, a rear passenger, Hilkiah Leacock-Small, 3, suffered severe injuries.
Officials say, Ms. Cheryl Leacock, 61, -passenger- suffered moderate injuries.
It is believed that Leacock attempted to swerve around a mattress on the roadway before the collision.
The cause of the collision has not been determined.