Another Crash Shows Need For Change, West Orange Nonprofit Says

THE ORANGES, NJ — Another car crash has taken place at an intersection that claimed the life of an Essex County youth in 2011, and it’s time to start brainstorming new ways to make the area safer, his parents say.

Nikhil Badlani – an 11-year-old exemplary student and aspiring musician – was killed in a 2011 motor vehicle accident involving a driver who ran a stop sign on the South Orange/Maplewood border near South Mountain Reservation.

Badlani’s parents have kept his memory alive through a West Orange-based nonprofit in his name that fights for traffic safety and boosts underserved children. The foundation will kick off its 14th annual “STOP For Nikhil” fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 22. Learn more here.

On Monday, the Nikhil Badlani Foundation posted the following message on social media about a crash at the intersection – adding a renewed plea for action:

“This morning, while on my run, I came across another crash at the intersection of Lenox Avenue and South Wyoming Avenue (Nikhil's Way) — the same spot where my son Nikhil tragically lost his life. This is the second crash I've seen there, where drivers ignored the stop sign, even with the flashing lights. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it's clear that the current setup isn't enough to prevent these crashes. I believe it's time for a traffic study and the implementation of engineering solutions like speed tables or rumble strips to slow down and protect our community.”

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