Carneys Point, NJ — A devastating wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday morning left four people dead and another seriously injured, according to New Jersey State Police. The tragic collision occurred just after 12:40 a.m. near mile marker 1.3 on the southbound lanes in Carneys Point Township.
Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Collision
Authorities said 41-year-old Christopher Neff, of Westminster, Colorado, was driving a Dodge pickup truck northbound in the southbound lanes when he collided head-on with a Mazda SUV traveling in the left inner lane.
Following the initial impact, a Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling behind the Mazda was unable to stop in time and struck the SUV from behind.
“The chain reaction began when the Dodge pickup entered the wrong direction of travel,” state police said in their preliminary report. “The Mazda, traveling correctly in the southbound lane, sustained catastrophic damage upon impact.”
According to NJ.com, the crash involved all three vehicles and forced authorities to close lanes for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Four Yeshiva Students Killed
The driver of the Mazda, 19-year-old Yaakov Kilberg, and his three passengers — Aharon Lebovits, 18; Shlomo Cohen, 18; and Chaim Grossman, 18 — were pronounced dead at the scene. All four victims were reportedly Yeshiva students from the Lakewood and Fallsburg communities.
“These young men were traveling together during a school break,” The Yeshiva World reported. “Their loss has deeply affected the Yeshiva and surrounding Jewish communities.”
Neff, the wrong-way driver, was seriously injured and transported to a nearby hospital. The tractor-trailer driver, 29-year-old Harpret Singh Sandhu of Nova Scotia, was not injured, police confirmed.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
The fatal crash led to major disruptions on the New Jersey Turnpike’s southbound lanes, with traffic limited to the shoulder until after 8 a.m. Crews fully cleared the scene by mid-morning, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
State police continue to investigate what caused Neff to drive in the wrong direction. Officials have not yet determined whether impairment, fatigue, or confusion played a role.
“This was a violent, high-speed collision that resulted in a tragic loss of life,” a police spokesperson said. “Our investigators are examining all factors leading up to the incident.”
Community in Mourning
The deaths of the four young students have sent shockwaves through both the Lakewood, New Jersey and Fallsburg, New York communities. Local leaders and school administrators have expressed condolences and are coordinating support for the families.
Faith-based organizations are also offering grief counseling for classmates and friends mourning the loss.
Road Safety Reminder
Authorities are once again urging drivers to stay alert, obey posted signs, and report wrong-way vehicles immediately by calling 911. Wrong-way crashes, though rare, often result in fatal outcomes due to the high speeds involved.
“Even a few seconds of confusion or distraction can have deadly consequences,” police warned.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash and the dangers of wrong-way driving? Share your views in the comments below.
