Earlier today, the New Jersey Turnpike became a scene of disruption and injury due to multiple vehicle crashes, causing significant traffic delays and hospitalizations. NBC New York reported that a three-vehicle wreck north of Interchange 3 caused lanes to close for hours, and several people were hospitalized following at least two cars catching fire.
The incident, which involved a Ford SUV colliding with a guardrail and concrete barrier before being rear-ended by an Infiniti SUV, sending both vehicles into a tractor-trailer, occurred around 1:40 a.m. according to CBS News Philadelphia. Police have not released what caused the crashes, however, the driver of the Ford sustained serious injuries, and everyone else involved, including five children reportedly suffered minor injuries.
New Jersey State Police were seen surveying the nearby woods, although their purpose was unclear as the two burned vehicles sat on the roadway, prompting alternative route suggestions from traffic reporters such as Sheila Watko, who recommended using Interstate 295 to avoid the gridlock. By 6 a.m., one lane had reopened, though traffic was slow with a long line of headlights queuing up behind the crash site.
Additionally, another accident occurred on the eastbound Pennsylvania extension in Florence Township, while not closing any lanes, still contributed to the congestion by leaving the right shoulder blocked. Once the Barrington crash scene cleared after 6:30 a.m., traffic flow resumed to normal, according to NBC New York.
