3 Dead As Tractor-Trailer Plows Into Car Parked On NJ Turnpike Shoulder, State Police Say

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Three people have died following a tractor-trailer crash on the shoulder of the NJ Turnpike on Sunday afternoon, NJ State Police Trooper Christopher Postorino told Patch.

At 1:39 p.m. on Sunday, Postorino said troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on the NJ Turnpike at milepost 64.6 in East Windsor Township.

Based on a preliminary investigation, police said a GMC SUV, which was driven by Elin R. Waithe, 44, of Bloomfield, was parked on the right shoulder of the turnpike.

While Waithe was standing outside the GMC on the right shoulder, Postorino said three passengers remained inside the vehicle.

Dmitriy I. Kara, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, was driving a Peterbilt tractor-trailer south of the stopped GMC when police said the vehicle entered the right shoulder and struck the back of the GMC.

As a result of the accident, Elin Waithe, alongside front seat passenger Quacy Waithe, 47, of Bloomfield, and one of the two juveniles seated in the back of the GMC, sustained fatal injuries, Postorino said.

Kara sustained minor injuries and was brought to an area hospital following the crash.

As of Monday morning, Postorino said the crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available.