The following is on file with the Harrison Township Police Department:
On Monday, Nov. 2, at 2:08 p.m., Harrison Township police were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle crash in the 300 block of Swedesboro Road.
Initial investigation revealed a 2014 Ford E350 Econoline van was traveling west on Swedesboro Road when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the center line of the roadway and collided with a 2020 Mack AN6 truck pulling a box trailer. The force of the collision caused the tractor trailer to jack knife and run off the south side of the roadway. The van also ran off the south side of the roadway and came to rest against trees and shrubbery.
The tractor trailer driver, a 40-year-old Vineland resident, was uninjured. The van was occupied by six people. The van driver, a 22-year-old New Castle, Del., resident, was transported to Cooper Hospital with a possible head injury. Four of the passengers were transported to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill with various minor injuries. The last passenger, a 17-year-old New Castle, Del., resident succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The crash is still under investigation. Cpl. Christopher Cartella is the lead investigator. He is being assisted by Cpl. Kurt Pflugfelder. Assisting on scene were the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Crash Unit, the Harmony Fire Company, Gloucester County EMS, Inspira paramedics and the Gloucester County Highway Department. The road was closed from the time of the crash until 6:05 p.m.
