Fatal South Jersey Accidents Snarl Morning Drive

The Tuesday morning commute was snarled by two fatal accidents on major South Jersey highways.

A van that drove off Route 55 in Malaga (6 ABC)

State Police confirm one death from an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike northbound near exit #2 (Route 322) in Woolwich around 5:30 a.m. NBC 10 reports a tractor trailer burst into flames when a car hit it from the rear and slid underneath the truck. The victim has not been identified.

New Jersey Fast Traffic reports repairs needed to be made on the lane approaching the fire scene and an investigation completed before the road could be fully reopened. The work blocked the left lane on the southbound side causing rubbernecking delays.

Also on Tuesday morning on Route 55 a van drove off the northbound side and into a tree near exit #39 for Route 40 in Malaga when the driver lost control for an unknown reason according to a statement from New Jersey State Police, killing the unidentified driver and one of 5 passengers, Norma Santiago, 47. 3 passengers were initially trapped inside and 2 were thrown from the van. State Police say only the driver and a passenger were wearing seat belts.

NBC 10 reports 3 medical helicopters were brought to the scene.

The highway was closed in both directions between Route 40 and exit #43 (Little Mill Road) for several hours shortly after the 6:15 a.m. accident forcing drivers onto other roads to get around the closure.

Investigations continue into both accidents.

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