New Jersey was struck by a series of devastating accidents over the weekend, leaving several lives lost and communities in mourning. Two separate incidents, one on Friday evening and the other late Friday night unfolded tragically, resulting in fatalities and critical injuries.
The White Horse Pike Tragedy
On Friday evening, around 5:24 p.m., a heart-wrenching accident occurred in front of the Atco Motel in Waterford Township along the White Horse Pike, as reported by Richard Cowen for NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. The incident led to the loss of two pedestrians and left another individual injured. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is actively investigating this incident.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second victim tragically passed away after being medically evacuated to a nearby hospital. As of now, the identities of the victims have not been disclosed, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has refrained from releasing specific details about the accident. However, it was reported by NBC News10 Philadelphia that the driver remained at the scene.
The impact of the accident was so severe that a section of the White Horse Pike had to be closed for several hours on Friday night. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to clean up the scene, and the highway was finally reopened by 10:30 p.m. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and share their accounts. You can contact Lt. Timothy Lyons at 856-767-2134 ext. 245.
Route 70 Head-On Collision in Pemberton Township
Late Friday night, another tragic incident unfolded on Route 70 in Pemberton Township. Just before 11:30 p.m., a car traveling westbound on Route 70 crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on collision with a pickup truck driven by Richard Willitts, a 56-year-old resident of Browns Mills. Tragically, as reported by NJ.com, Mr. Willitts was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision also left two individuals critically injured. A 57-year-old woman, who was in the front seat of Mr. Willitts’ pickup truck, suffered injuries to her lower body and was transported to Cooper University for medical treatment. The driver of the other vehicle, a 49-year-old Martlon woman, also sustained lower body injuries and was taken to Cooper University Hospital. Both survivors remain in critical condition, according to police reports.
The statement from Pemberton Township police did not specify whether any charges are expected to be filed in connection with the crash. The investigation is actively ongoing, and authorities are urging any witnesses to contact the Pemberton Township Police Department at 609-894-3310.
The recent accidents on White Horse Pike and Route 70 serve as tragic reminders of the dangers of the road and the importance of safe driving practices. As investigations continue in both cases, the communities affected by these incidents are left to grapple with the loss and recovery of their loved ones. It is a solemn call for vigilance and responsibility behind the wheel to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents in the future.
