Crime & Safety

2 Fatally Hit By Car While Changing Tire On I-78 In Warren

The two men from Pennsylvania pulled into the shoulder when they experienced a flat tire and were outside of the van when they were hit: PD.

(Kristin Borden/Patch)

Updated: 10 a.m. on Thursday

WARREN, NJ — Two men were fatally hit by a car while changing a tire on their van on the shoulder of Interstate 78 in Warren Township on Wednesday night.

At 5:25 p.m., New Jersey State Troopers went to a motor vehicle crash on I-78 West, milepost 38.7, in Warren Township.

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Based on a preliminary investigation, a Toyota minivan with a flat tire was stopped on the right shoulder, said Sgt. Charles Marchan.

Pedestrians Tuoc Q Dau, a 46-year-old male from Macungie, PA, and Thao P Ho, a 62-year-old male from Nazareth, PA, were outside of the van near the right rear of the vehicle between the vehicle and guardrail.

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A Mercedes passenger vehicle then entered the right shoulder, hit the rear of the Toyota and guardrail, and hit the pedestrians, said Marchan.

As a result of the crash, Dau and Ho sustained fatal injuries.

The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available.

The serious crash investigation prompted a "heavy emergency response" on Wednesday night and caused two lanes to close.

Warren Township and Watchung Borough Police Departments had asked drivers to avoid the highway areas near Exit 40 and 36 for "the next several hours."

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