Three members of one family were killed and another was injured in a crash that closed the southbound New Jersey Turnpike for hours on Thursday, state police said.
The crash occurred at 10:11 a.m. on the southbound side of the turnpike, south of Interchange 5 and County Route 541 in Mount Laurel, Burlington County. That's just south of the Rancocas Creek bridge.
Officials said two trucks and at least two passenger vehicles were involved in the wreck, and one of the tractor-trailers jackknifed.
One 18-year-old woman with minor injuries was taken by medics to Cooper University Hospital.
On Thursday afternoon, state police said the dead and the injured 18-year-old were all believed to be from the same George family. A dog also from the same vehicle was also killed.
SkyFOX over the scene showed three of the vehicles came to rest near each other just off of the turnpike's right shoulder, although debris was scattered over all three lanes. The family's Toyota Camry was between the two tractor-trailers, while a Ford Edge with rear-end damage was farther down the highway.
The occupants of the tractor-trailers and Edge were uninjured, according to police.
After letting some cars leave the turnpike, New Jersey State Police closed the southbound lanes at 11 a.m. just before Exit 7A so they could continue to investigate.
State police had been advising motorists to use Route 195 West to Interstate 295 South as an alternate route.
The turnpike was reopened just before 3:30 p.m.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, state police said.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT
It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
