Crime & Safety
Turnpike South Reopened After Fatal Accident Last Night
NJ Turnpike southbound lanes through Hightstown and Cranbury were closed for several hours as the result of a fatal accident
New Jersey State Police confirmed a tractor trailer accident and resulting fire on the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 8 in East Windsor around 12:26 a.m.
According State Trooper Adam Grossman, a box truck struck the rear of a UPS Mack tractor semi trailer. As a result, the box truck and the rear of the UPS truck were engulfed in flames.
The box truck driver, Phillip Frey, 33, of Toms River, NJ, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries reported.
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Hightstown, Cranbury, and East Windsor Fire Departments responded to the scene.
During the accident investigation and clean-up, Police set up a diversion from the turnpike for southbound traffic up to Exit 9 during the early morning until about 6:15 a.m. Drivers were advised to avoid the Turnpike in this area. Many were trapped between Exits 8 and 9 for several hours.
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The Turnpike has since reopened.
Police are still investigating the accident and no further information is available at this time.
