Good Samaritan Extinguishes Burning SUV After Multi-Vehicle Crash in Mercer County: Cops

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A multi-vehicle crash sent two people to the hospital Saturday afternoon after a driver crossed into oncoming traffic on Old Trenton Road, causing a chain reaction crash that sparked a vehicle fire and brought down power lines, West Windsor Police said.

The incident occurred around 3:25 p.m. between Cubberly Road and the Mercer County Community College entrance when a 38-year-old Trenton man driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUV southbound veered into the northbound lane, police said.

The Jeep first struck the rear of a 2020 Honda Fit before continuing forward and colliding head-on with a 2011 Lincoln MKZ sedan. The impact sent the Jeep into a utility pole, where it came to rest with its engine compartment ablaze and live electrical wires scattered across the road, police said.

A good Samaritan quickly extinguished the vehicle fire before leaving the scene, according to West Windsor Police. PSE&G crews were called to disconnect power to the downed lines, allowing emergency responders to work safely.

Both the Jeep driver and the Lincoln's driver, also a 38-year-old Trenton resident, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The Honda Fit's driver, a 37-year-old woman from Fieldsboro, and her three juvenile passengers escaped unhurt, police said.

The crash forced an eight-hour road closure as crews cleared the scene and restored power.

Traffic Officer K. LaForge is investigating the collision. Anyone with information can contact him at (609) 799-1222, use the anonymous tip line at (609) 799-0452, or email laforge@westwindsorpolice.com.