Fiery New Jersey 18-Wheeler Accident Kills Five People
In New Jersey, a multi-vehicle accident set off by an 18-wheeler left five people dead.
According to reports, the 18-wheeler struck a Buick LeSabre on the New Jersey Turnpike, sending the car crashing into a Jeep; the Buick immediately burst into flames. The occupants of the Buick, two married couples from Passaic and Kearny Counties in North Jersey and another woman, were killed. The three occupants of the Jeep were injured. The crash involved 10 vehicles in all, no other injuries were reported. The 18-wheeler driver, who did not sustain injuries, could possibly face charges.
The accident resulted in severe traffic delays in the area and on the turnpike, which is one of the busiest highways in the country. Investigations are ongoing.
This is an example of the often devastating aftermath of an accident involving an 18-wheeler. Often, motorists involved in such big rig crashes can do very little to avoid a collision. We will have to wait for the results of the investigation to learn why the tractor trailer driver was unable to stop in time to avoid the Buick. Investigators will look into whether the tractor trailer driver was speeding or tailgating the car.
As truck accident lawyers often see in accidents involving large tractor trailers, it is the motorist or the occupants of the passenger vehicle who suffer the most serious injuries. 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and the impact of a vehicle that size crashing into a small passenger car can be tremendous. Even when there are survivors, injuries resulting from such accidents can be catastrophic.
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Investigators found smoking paraphernalia and at least 39 pills of methandrostenolone, a controlled substance. According to witnesses at the scene, Khan was traveling at more than 60 mph just before the crash. It seemed, he made no attempt to brake before crashing into the two vehicles. Blood tests taken eight hours after the accident confirmed the presence of marijuana, and a forensic toxicologist verified that Khan had been severely impaired at the time of the accident.