3 dead in crash, fire on Route 1 in South Brunswick, NJ

🚨 Five vehicles were involved in the crash and fire on Route 1 northbound

🚨 A driver from Community Options of Princeton and two clients died

🚨 The fire is embedded in the pavement of the highway causing a long closure

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Three people in a van died after a fiery crash Friday morning on Route 1.

South Brunswick Deputy Police Chief James Ryan told New Jersey 101.5 that five vehicles were involved in the crash in the northbound lanes near Ridge Road.

A truck carrying a concrete wall for a warehouse crashed into a van in the intersection causing both to catch on fire, according to Ryan. The van hit two other vehicles

"The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, State Police and ourselves are all out here trying to piece it together," Ryan said.

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Victims on their way to a day program

Robert Stack, President and CEO of Princeton-based Community Options said a company driver and two clients died in the crash. They were being driven to a day program.

"Our heart goes out to the two people with severe disabilities who we've supported, and the staff person. Our prayers are with their families and all their loved ones. We are crestfallen and deeply saddened by this horrific event," Stack said in a video statement.

Community Options supports  people with disabilities to help them live normal lives and be independent.

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Lengthy closure of Route 1

The fire is embedded in the pavement, which will cause an extensive closure of the northbound lanes that could last for eight hours, according to Ryan. One lane is getting by on the southbound side of the highway.

Route 130 and the New Jersey Turnpike are the best alternatives, according to New Jersey Fast Traffic. The closure was also causing delays on Route 27

Ryan did not disclose the identities of anyone involved in the crash.

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