UPDATE: One Killed, Two Hurt in Traffic Accident

This article was updated 4 pm Friday, Sept. 14.

A minivan and a flat-bed truck that witnesses said was moving very fast collided Friday morning, leaving one man dead, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.

The victim, who was not identified, was a passenger in the green, 1997 Plymouth Voyager minivan, spokesperson Katherine Carter said. The driver of the minivan and the truck driver were taken to University Hospital, where they were being treated. Both are expected to recover from their injuries.

Shortly before 11 am, witnesses saw a red truck traveling along S. 16th Street towards Springfield Avenue.

One witness, who gave only his initials, “A.D.”, said he was attending a funeral at 185 S. 16th St., about five blocks north of Springfield, when he saw what he described as a plumber’s  truck “weaving,” nearly striking a bus and pedestrians.

“He was moving. He was doing 70, 80 miles an hour,” A.D. said.

The accident was still under investigation by the prosecutor's office and Newark police, Carter said, adding that speed may have been a factor. No charges have yet been filed.

Another witness further south on S. 16th Street, Freda Jenkins, said she saw the truck abruptly accelerate right before it reached Fairmount Avenue, ignoring a stop sign. Moments later, Jenkins heard a crash.

“It’s just sad....you didn’t know what to expect,” Jenkins said. “Then you see them laying sheets on the ground. It happened that quick.”

S. 16th Street is a two-way street for most of its length approaching Springfield Avenue, but becomes a one-way with traffic flowing away from Springfield at Hunterdon Street, a block from Springfield Avenue. The collision occurred at Springfield and Morris avenues.

The accident occurred a few hundred feet from CityPlex 12, a movie theater holding its grand opening today. Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal was scheduled to attend the ceremony.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.