3 Young Adults Killed In South Brunswick Crash On Rt. 1

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Three young adults were killed in a fiery car crash Friday on Rt. 1 north in South Brunswick, said police.

The three people killed have now been identified as:

• Charisse Nelson-Bailey, 22, the driver of the minivan.
• Passenger Daniel Vida, 28
• Passenger Maria Passalaris, 25

The fatal crash happened at 9:36 a.m. at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Ridge Road. The young adults were being carried in a Sprinter van that collided with a tractor trailer. The Sprinter van then collided with two other vehicles. The Sprinter van and the tractor-trailer caught fire, and first responders were unable to free the driver and the two trapped passengers from the fire.

"This is a tragic day, as three young adults have lost their lives in this horrific crash," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "To the parents, family and friends our hearts go out to you. Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers tonight."

Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Bryan Sites of the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4646 or Sergeant Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.