Jennifer Gorgas killed during collision with Amazon truck in Roxbury

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J.—Jennifer Gorgas, a 25-year-old woman from Netcong, New Jersey, tragically died March 16 when her SUV hit an Amazon tractor-trailer on Route 46 in Roxbury.

Local authorities said the victim's Subaru Outback collided with the left side of the trailer, shearing the roof of the Subaru from the front windshield to the middle passenger compartment.

The Subaru became partially pinned underneath the 18-wheeler, and its driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash reportedly occurred shortly after the Amazon 18-wheeler’s cab began turning west onto the highway out of the Kingtown Truck Stop along Route 46.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office identified the victim as Jennifer Gorgas, 25. 

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

Thoughts on the fatal semi accident in Morris County, New Jersey

Folks will likely look at this accident and conclude the deceased is responsible for failing to control her speed or keep a proper lookout. However, this case is not that simple. From the facts provided, it is clear the young woman’s car traveled under the semi’s trailer. This caused an extremely dangerous situation and shaved the vehicle in half.

Underriding a trailer is a known and preventable risk. For years, the trucking industry has been aware of the dangers posed by the height of a semi’s trailer. In fact, the industry has developed under guards to prevent this very scenario from occurring. Thus, the question we need to be asking, and the answer the family deserves to know, is whether this young woman would have been killed had the vehicle not traveled under the semi-truck. I would venture the answer to be no.

Amazon, one of the largest and most profitable corporations in the world, cannot put the lives of innocent victims at risk to save a few dollars. Amazon and its corporate representatives must answer to this young woman’s family for their role in her death. It is truly unfair and unacceptable.

I pray the Gorgas family can find peace during this time of grief.

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