1 dead after semi hits pickup on Route 29

MERCER COUNTY, N.J.—One person tragically died March 19 when a semi-truck collided with a pickup on the shoulder of Route 29 in Hamilton Township.

Local authorities said the crash occurred at about 12:44 a.m. near milepost .6. The driver of a Chevrolet GMT-400, who has not been identified by authorities, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the pickup truck caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames on the right shoulder of the highway after a southbound Freightliner M2 struck its left rear.

The driver of the semi, who has also not yet been identified, did not suffer injuries.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information was immediately available.

Commentary on the fatal semi accident in Mercer County, New Jersey

I am saddened to learn life was lost in a senseless accident. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

The report provided by authorities indicates a semi-truck smashed a passenger truck while it was parked on the side of the road. While not mentioned in the report, I imagine the man was pulled to the side to sleep, attend to personal matters, or due to a mechanical failure. I have seen the situation play out many times before, often ending in the same tragedy we have here.

The driver of the semi had a duty to act with reasonable care when operating his 18-wheeler. The actions of the semi-driver leading up to the accident are important to determine if this duty was breached. If the man was distracted, fatigued, or impaired, this family deserves an accounting.

An examination of the crash report, and possibly a follow-up inspection of the accident, will reveal the information necessary for the family to move forward. Until that time, I hope those involved can find the help and peace needed to move through this time of grief.

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