Details Released On Fatal Truck Crash That Backed Up N.J. Highway Traffic For Miles

An 18-year-old passenger was killed Friday when his truck crashed into the rear of a dump truck on Route 9, according to authorities.

The victim, Adam Rarela of Marlboro, was pronounced dead at the Old Bridge scene at 7:18 a.m., according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief William Volkert of the Old Bridge Police Department.

He was passenger in the box truck, which was heading north on Route 9 when it crashed into the dump truck, which had been stopped at a red light at the Old Mill Road intersection, according to the MCPO.

The light had turned green and the dump truck began to move forward when it was struck by the box truck at 6:52 a.m.

The driver of the dump truck was taken to Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge Division, and was released after being treated for injuries.

No charges have been filed, but an investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Philip Belgio of the Old Bridge Police Department at (732) 721-5600 or Detective Craig Marchak of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3254.

Two lanes were closed at Route 9 northbound from Old Mill Road to Perrine Road at the time of the crash, according to Old Bridge police.

Traffic was backed up on Routes 9 and 34 for miles, authorities said.