A 39-year-old trucker from Trenton was killed when his tractor-trailer veered off the southbound lanes of I-295 near Mount Laurel and slammed into a concrete bridge support, according to law enforcement. His family says another driver cut him off and hit the brakes moments before the crash, triggering the deadly chain of events.
Crash on I-295 and response
New Jersey State Police troopers were called to the southbound side of I-295 near milepost 39.6 in Burlington County just after midday. Troopers found a Volvo tractor-trailer that had left the roadway, struck the east guardrail and collided with the center concrete support for County Road 603. The driver, identified as Dorian Flemmins of Trenton, died from injuries sustained in the wreck, according to reporting by Daily Voice, which cited State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.
TV crews and traffic helicopters later showed the tractor-trailer crumpled and wedged beneath the overpass in the Exit 40/Route 38 area. Early reports from the scene said rescuers had to extricate Flemmins from the cab and that he was transported by medical helicopter. Multiple southbound lanes were shut for hours while emergency crews worked the scene and cleared debris, coverage that included footage from NBC10 Philadelphia.
Family's account and fundraiser
In a fundraiser for funeral and family expenses, Flemmins' sister, Jessica Lombardo, wrote that her brother "sacrificed his life in order to not hurt anyone." She said another driver cut in front of his rig and slammed on the brakes before the truck went off the road. Lombardo wrote that Flemmins had been living with her in Ewing and leaves behind two young daughters, according to the fundraiser description cited by Daily Voice, which noted it has not independently verified the family's account of what led to the crash.
Possible charges and what comes next
If investigators conclude that another driver intentionally or recklessly caused a crash that resulted in death, prosecutors could consider a range of criminal charges, potentially including vehicular homicide. Under New Jersey law, a death caused by reckless driving can be prosecuted as "death by auto or vessel" (vehicular homicide) under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, a felony-level offense when recklessness is proven. The statute and potential penalties are summarized by legal reference site Justia.
Investigation ongoing
State Police say the crash remains under active investigation, and officials have not released additional details about the circumstances of the wreck or whether any other motorist has been identified or could face charges. Early reporting from the highway scene noted that investigators were reconstructing the collision and that traffic backups stretched for hours. Coverage of the response and lane closures, including aerial SkyFox video, was carried by FOX29.
Authorities have not announced any charges in connection with the crash. Flemmins' family has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and support his children, while detectives continue to gather witness statements and review any available video to sort out what led to the fatal I-295 collision.
