Heartbreaking Incidents Impact July 4th Weekend In NJ

A series of heartbreaking incidents continue to impact New Jersey during the normally celebratory week of the July 4th holiday.

On Friday and Saturday, three people died in separate accidents, including a double fatal crash that left a 17-year-old dead. Read more: Double Fatal In Old Bridge: 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash, Cops Say

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office even took the unusual step of warning people to "exercise caution" as thousands head to the Jersey Shore for the weekend.

"We have had motor vehicle & motorcycle accidents that have resulted in death and serious injuries in Point Pleasant Beach, Lacey, Jackson and Toms River over the July 4th holiday. Please exercise caution on the roadways as we head into the weekend and the rest of the summer."

Here is what has happened since commuters started heading out for the holiday on Wednesday:

• A truck overturned on NJ-495 westbound near the Lincoln Tunnel on Wednesday afternoon, causing 12 injuries and setting off major traffic delays, especially for bus riders, authorities said. Read more: Truck Overturns In NJ Near Lincoln Tunnel, 12 Injured: Officials
• An 18-year-old woman was shot and killed in Atlantic City on Wednesday, according to nj.com.
• Jackson Township police were seeking witnesses to a one-vehicle crash that killed two people on July 4th. The crash on Faraday Avenue near Houston Avenue of a green 1999 Nissan Pathfinder killed the driver and the passenger, who died at the scene of the 3:30 p.m. crash despite rescue efforts, Jackson Sgt. George Vidalis said. Read more: Police Seeking Witnesses To Crash That Killed 2 In Jackson
• A motorcyclist died of injuries he suffered on July 4th in a crash on Route 37 in Toms River, police said. Shawn Mathewson, 34 of Kearny, is the man who died as a result of the crash, said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department. Read more: Motorcyclist Dies In Route 37 Crash: Toms River PD
• A 16-year-old juvenile is in custody after two people were shot on the boardwalk in Asbury Park on Thursday night after the July 4th fireworks, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. Read more: 2 Shot On Asbury Park Boardwalk After July 4th Fireworks: UPDATE
• A Bridgeton woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Friday afternoon in Gloucester County, according to nj.com.
• A fire swept through a South Orange home early Friday morning, claiming the life of one victim, authorities said. Fire Departments from South Orange and surrounding municipalities successfully quelled the blaze on Ward Place but the fire took the life of one adult, according to officials. Read more: Fatal Fire In South Orange Under Investigation