Three members of one family were killed and another was injured in a crash that closed the southbound New Jersey Turnpike for hours on Thursday, state police said.
The crash occurred at 10:11 a.m. on the southbound side of the turnpike, south of Interchange 5 and County Route 541 in Mount Laurel, Burlington County. That's just south of the Rancocas Creek bridge.
Officials said two trucks and at least two passenger vehicles were involved in the wreck, and one of the tractor-trailers jackknifed.
One 18-year-old woman with minor injuries was taken by medics to Cooper University Hospital.
On Thursday afternoon, state police said the dead and the injured 18-year-old were all believed to be from the same George family. A dog also from the same vehicle was also killed.
SkyFOX over the scene showed three of the vehicles came to rest near each other just off of the turnpike's right shoulder, although debris was scattered over all three lanes. The family's Toyota Camry was between the two tractor-trailers, while a Ford Edge with rear-end damage was farther down the highway.
The occupants of the tractor-trailers and Edge were uninjured, according to police.
After letting some cars leave the turnpike, New Jersey State Police closed the southbound lanes at 11 a.m. just before Exit 7A so they could continue to investigate.
State police had been advising motorists to use Route 195 West to Interstate 295 South as an alternate route.
The turnpike was reopened just before 3:30 p.m.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, state police said.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:54 AM EDT2013-05-24 09:54:05 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:27 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:27:11 GMT
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:10:26 GMT
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:43 GMT
If you think a high school sophomore and an 88 year old World War II veteran wouldn't have a lot in common. Think again. When Joseph Blaisse was looking for his final Eagle Scout project he thought of
If you think a high school sophomore and an 88 year old World War II veteran wouldn't have a lot in common. Think again.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:25:16 GMT
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
