3 people dead in NJ crash linked to nonprofit that serves people with disabilities
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (PIX11) -- A nonprofit dedicated to serving people with disabilities is in mourning.
Founder and CEO of Community Options, Inc., Robert Stack, announced the loss of three people in a fiery crash that completely shut down Route 1 Northbound all of Friday.
"Today, Community Options lost three souls to a tragic accident," Stack said in a video statement. "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 of their loved ones and we are crestfallen and deeply saddened by this horrific event."
All three victims were in a Sprinter van on the way to a day program. The crash also involved a tractor-trailer carrying an oversized load and a small SUV. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the SUV was unhurt.
It happened around 9:30 am Friday at the intersection of Ridge Road.
"All I can say is it's a terrible tragedy, it's really a sad day," said South Brunswick Police Deputy Chief Jim Ryan.
Local, county, and state authorities were working together to investigate the crash, which involved a large fire. The van, which ended up in front of the truck, was virtually unrecognizable.
"Firefighters and EMS people who came out, everyone is traumatized by something like this," said Ryan.