91-Year-Old Man Killed, Woman Hospitalized In Route 22 Crash In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A 91-year-old Bridgewater man was killed, and his 93-year-old passenger was hospitalized in a multi-vehicle crash on Route 22 on Sunday, said police.

On Sunday at around 4:06 p.m., Bridgewater Township Police Officers were called to a multi-vehicle crash on Route 22 East near Grove Street.

A preliminary investigation found that a white Tesla was driving on Route 22 East near Grove Street when it suddenly came to a complete stop in the center lane, said Bridgewater Police Sgt. Kevin Florczak.

A 2018 Subaru Outback, which was driving behind the Tesla, was reportedly forced to stop.

A 2002 Buick LeSabre, driving behind the Subaru, was unable to stop in time and hit the back of the Subaru, according to Florczak.

The Subaru then spun out and came to rest in the left lane.

A 33-year-old man from Brooklyn, NY, and two passengers were inside the Subaru. None were injured, said Florczak.

The Buick lost control, drove into the right lane, crossed the highway, left the highway, and went into the center median, where it hit a tree before stopping, according to Florczak.

Officers found the Buick about one-quarter mile east of the crash.

The driver, a 91-year-old Bridgewater man, was found unresponsive inside the Buick.

Officers immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics arrived. The driver was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was later pronounced dead.

A 93-year-old female passenger in the Buick sustained minor
injuries and was also taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment.

Route 22 East was closed for around six hours while officers conducted the crash investigation.

Patch asked the police what happened to the Tesla — if it remained on scene; did the Tesla leave the scene; if anyone was injured in the Tesla; or if anyone in the Tesla was issued summonses.

"No comment at this time, we are still investigating," said Bridgewater Police Lt. Stephen Zeichner to Patch.

The crash remains under investigation by the Bridgewater Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer R. Veneman of the Bridgewater Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at 908-722-4111,
extension 4083, or the Bridgewater TIPS line at 877-660-INFO (4636).

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