2 killed as car plunges into river from Route 18

NEW BRUNSWICK — Two people died early Monday morning when their car ran off Route 18 in New Brunswick and plunged into the Raritan River.

ABC 7 reported a rescue team was unsuccessful in recovering two people inside the sedan that went off the highway near the George Street exit around 1 a.m.

The road was closed until about 5:45 a.m. for an investigation and recovery of the car out of the river, according to New Jersey Fast Traffic's Bob Williams.

NJ Advance Media reported a dive team arrived shortly before 2 a.m., and the sounds of a chainsaw could be heard being used by rescuers.

According to that report, authorities raised a blue tarp by the guardrail, covering the activity.

One man pushed through yellow police tape and yelled "No — I have to see him!" as an officer guided him back, the report said.

New Brunswick Police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office have not yet returned messages regarding the incident.

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