Paulsboro Man Critically Injured in West Deptford Car Crash

West Deptford police are investigating whether alcohol consumption may have played a role in a serious car accident Sunday evening in the township.

According to police, 54-year-old Bedford Newton of Paulsboro was heading north on Crown Point Road at 6:47 p.m. when his 2000 Ford Escort collided with a tanker full of hot asphalt driven by James Scott, 49, of Pittstown, PA.

Scott had just filled his truck at the NuStar refinery on Paradise Rd. and was headed east when the two met. Police said Newton failed to observe a red light at the intersection of Crown Point Rd.; Scott had the green.

Newton's vehicle hit the tractor trailer and became wedged beneath, just in front of the rear set of tires. His car was dragged a short distance, and he was reportedly seriously injured.

First responders evacuated Newton to Chester Crozier Hospital, where he was put on life support in critical condition; as of 11:45 a.m. on Monday, he was taken off life support and placed in guarded condition, police said.

Also traveling with Newton was 53-year-old George Yeboah of Jersey City, who reportedly complained of chest pains two hours after the crash, and was taken to a local hospital.

Scott was uninjured in the incident.