1 Dead As Major Pileup Shuts Down SB New Jersey Turnpike In Cranbury Township
CRANBURY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- One person was confirmed dead, and nearly four dozen others were injured, as a multi-vehicle pileup shut down the southbound New Jersey Turnpike in Cranbury Township Monday night.
The crash happened at 9:11 p.m. on the southbound outer roadway of the turnpike near mile marker 71.3, New Jersey State Police said. It shut down the southbound turnpike near the Molly Pitcher Service Area in Cranbury Township.
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Four semi-trailer trucks, two box trucks, a tour bus, and at least 15 cars were involved, New Jersey State Police told CBS2. The tour bus was occupied, state police said.
One car caught fire, state police said.
At least 45 people suffered minor injuries, state police said.
CBS2's Jessica Schneider said traffic was at a dead standstill because of the accident just south of Exit 8A.
Signs along the turnpike said the expressway was shut down south of Exit 9. Traffic was allowed to move for a short distance farther, but everything came to a standstill as drivers approached Exit 8A.
It was not immediately learned whether the crash was caused by the icy weather.
"All accident investigations, our troopers take weather conditions into account, but it's too early to say," said Sgt. Jeff Flynn told WCBS 880.
Flynn said there was no firm deadline for when the turnpike would be reopened, but major delays were expected to persist for some time due to the magnitude of the crash.
