A man was killed when his car collided with a fuel truck on Route 78 near exit 52 in New Jersey. The accident happened in the afternoon of Dec. 6. Two other drivers were injured in the crash, which involved a total of three vehicles and resulted in a fuel fire.
Police stated than an investigation into the crash is ongoing. According to their preliminary report, the 24-year-old driver of an Audi A4 entered the path of a tanker truck, and the tanker hit his car. Both vehicles then struck a tractor-trailer. The two trucks continued moving until the tanker was stopped by a concrete barrier. Both trucks were quickly engulfed in flames when the tanker’s fuel ignited. The tractor-trailer was carrying mulch.
The driver of the Audi died at the scene of the accident. The 35-year-old driver of the tanker truck was able to crawl out of the windshield of his vehicle. He was listed in critical condition. The 53-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer was treated for injuries at an area hospital and later released.
The accident and resulting fire stopped traffic for about four hours. Port Authority specialists from Newark Liberty International Airport were called in to fight the fire.
Police investigate accidents such as this one to determine the cause. The results of an official investigation could be used in civil court in an attempt to prove that a negligent driver is responsible for any injuries suffered by another person. An injured individual could seek assistance from an attorney if they wish to pursue legal action. An attorney cannot investigate an accident, but could examine the evidence of the official investigation and advise the injured person on his or her rights and legal options.
Source: NJ.com, “Chatham man killed in fiery Route 78 crash, trucker critically injured“, Noah Cohen and Jessica Remo, December 06, 2014
