Fatal Crash After Intoxicated Driver Runs Red Light In South Jersey: Police

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — An intoxicated driver ran a red light, sparking a three-vehicle accident that killed a man Thursday night in Washington Township, officials said.

Julia R. Scanlon faces several charges, including vehicular homicide. Township police identified the decedent as Frank J. Bersani, 56, of Laurel Springs.

The crash occurred at about 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Egg Harbor and Ganttown Roads. Preliminary investigation revealed that Scanlon was traveling southbound on Egg Harbor Road when her 2002 Ford Focus collided with Bersani's vehicle, which was traveling westbound on Ganttown Road, police said.

The momentum caused Bersani's 2020 Kia Sportage to hit a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan that was moving east on Ganttown Road, according to authorities.

Police determined that Scanlon, 36, of Sewell, was intoxicated and arrested her. Officials took Bersani to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Dodge Grand Caravan driver, who police haven't publicly identified, was transported to Jefferson Hospital. Police didn't initially provide details about their condition.

Scanlon's charges include reckless vehicle homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide by driving while intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending, police said.

Officials closed the intersection for about two hours after the crash.

Witnesses can contact Washington Township Ofc. Evan Lick at 856-256-1212 or eplick@pd.twp.washington.nj.us, or Sgt. Len Baldyga at 856-256-1212 or ljbaldyga@pd.twp.washington.nj.us.