Trapped Somerset Driver Dies After Two-Car Fiery Crash

FRANKLIN, NJ — Authorities are investigating a fatal two-car crash that trapped one driver and engulfed another vehicle in flames on Thursday night, Franklin Township Police said.

The crash was reported at around 6:40 p.m. at Easton Avenue and Girard Avenue.

An investigation found that a 2008 Nissan Rogue, driven by Marlene Martin, 76, of Somerset, was trying to make a left turn onto Girard Avenue when she collided with a 1999 Hyundai Elantra that was going south on Easton Avenue. The Elantra was driven by Alexander Macniven, 23, from Somerset, police said.

The crash caused the Elantra to leave the road and Macniven to become trapped inside. Martin was able to get out of her vehicle before the engine compartment caught fire, police said.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and extricate Macniven. He was then taken to a local area trauma center by EMS personnel and pronounced dead about 45 minutes later, police said.

Martin was also taken to a local area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Easton Avenue was closed for about five hours during the investigation of this incident.

The Franklin Township Police Department and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team are investigating the cause of the crash. Anyone with information relating to this crash investigation is asked to contact Officer James Raics of the Franklin Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-873-5533 ext. 3177 or james.raics@franklinnj.gov.

Information can also be provided to The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team at 908-231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or at www.scpo.net and click on either "Crime Stoppers" or "TIPS HOTLINE". All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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