East Windsor, NJ, December 8, 2025
A tragic accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mercer County resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a child. A tractor-trailer collided with a parked SUV, leading to ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash. Authorities are urging caution among drivers as this incident highlights safety concerns on the Turnpike, which has witnessed several serious accidents recently.
East Windsor, NJ – Fatal Crash on New Jersey Turnpike Claims Three Lives
East Windsor, NJ – A tragic accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mercer County resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a child, on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at milepost 64.6 in East Windsor Township.
Details of the Crash
According to New Jersey State Police, a GMC SUV was parked on the right shoulder of the Turnpike when a tractor-trailer, driven by 33-year-old Dmitriy I. Kara from Philadelphia, veered onto the shoulder and collided with the SUV. The impact led to the fatalities of Elin Waithe, 44, Quacy Waithe, 47, and a child, all from Bloomfield, NJ. Elin Waithe was outside the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Quacy and the child were inside. A second child was also in the SUV’s backseat; their injury status remains unknown. Kara sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Background Information
The New Jersey Turnpike is a major toll road that spans the state, facilitating significant traffic flow. This incident adds to a series of recent accidents on the Turnpike, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Recent Accidents on the New Jersey Turnpike
In the past year, the New Jersey Turnpike has witnessed several serious accidents:
- August 7, 2025: A fiery five-vehicle crash near milepost 68.2 in East Windsor Township resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The collision involved a Freightliner tractor-trailer, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, a Kenworth semi-trailer, a Ford van, and a Mercedes-Benz car. The driver of the F-150 was killed in the fire.
- May 4, 2025: A two-bus collision near Exit 7 in Chesterfield led to 39 passengers being hospitalized with minor injuries. The crash occurred when one bus rear-ended another, causing a chain reaction involving three passenger vehicles.
- January 6, 2025: A tractor-trailer carrying watermelons crashed near milepost 60.3 in Robbinsville Township, resulting in two fatalities. The truck ran off the road, struck a guardrail, and collided with a concrete bridge support.
These incidents underscore the importance of road safety and the need for continuous vigilance by all motorists.
FAQ
What happened in the East Windsor Township crash?
On Sunday afternoon, a tractor-trailer collided with a parked SUV on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Windsor Township, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a child.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims were Elin Waithe, 44, Quacy Waithe, 47, and a child, all from Bloomfield, NJ. Elin was outside the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Quacy and the child were inside. A second child was also in the SUV’s backseat; their injury status remains unknown.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Have there been other recent accidents on the New Jersey Turnpike?
Yes, there have been several serious accidents on the New Jersey Turnpike in the past year, including a fiery five-vehicle crash in August 2025 and a two-bus collision in May 2025, both resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Jersey Turnpike, East Windsor Township, Mercer County, NJ |
| Date and Time | Sunday afternoon, approximately 1:30 p.m. |
| Vehicles Involved | Tractor-trailer and GMC SUV |
| Fatalities | Three individuals, including a child |
| Injuries | Driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; cause of the crash under investigation |
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