Four Teens Killed in Wrong-Way Turnpike Crash

Posted on: October 22, 2025

On Sunday, four teenagers were killed in a wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Carneys Point Township. According to police, a Colorado man in a Dodge pickup truck was driving northbound in the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike when he collided with the teens in a Mazda SUV. The collision pushed the Mazda into the path of a Freightliner tractor-trailer, and all four occupants were killed in the second collision with the semi.

The pickup truck driver was also seriously injured in the crash, though no update on his condition has been released. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured, police said. All lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike were closed for several hours following the accident.

No charges have been filed at this time, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous types of highway collisions, often occurring at high speeds and leaving little time for other drivers to react. Wrong-way accidents are frequently caused by driver impairment, fatigue, or confusion, and the force of impact in a head-on crash is typically far greater than in other types of collisions.

High-speed crashes on interstates involving multiple vehicles can cause catastrophic damage in seconds, especially when large commercial trucks are involved. The size and weight of tractor-trailers make it difficult for drivers to stop or maneuver quickly, increasing the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries for those in passenger or smaller vehicles.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash, call the experienced car accident lawyers at Ellis Law today at 732-308-0200 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices in New Jersey and New York, we proudly serve clients throughout both states.