Driver Killed On Slick, Icy Rt. 3 Wednesday Morning

SECAUCUS, NJ — At least two people died Wednesday morning as a direct result of slick, icy road conditions in New Jersey, and black ice.

The first death occurred in a car crash on Rt. 3 West in the area of Rt. 120. East Rutherford Police confirmed the driver of the car died, but did not release any specifics of how the crash occurred.

East Rutherford Deputy Police Chief Phil Taormina said the fatal crash was just one of several car crashes on Rt. 3 Wednesday morning, and drivers were told to avoid Rt. 3. The New Jersey Department of Transportation said that all lanes on Rt. 3 westbound, west of the Hackensack River Bridge, were closed for the crash investigation.

Traffic was so backed up on Rt. 3 through Secaucus this morning that one driver said she was stuck on Rt. 3 for three hours and saw some people out pushing cars after they tried to drive over the grass and got stuck in the mud.

"Thankfully they all made it across!" she said.

Other people reported seeing cars go backwards up one-way ramps or make U-turns to avoid getting stuck in the Rt. 3 nightmare.

The second fatality occurred in Old Bridge: A 59-year-old Old Bridge woman was killed at 5:30 a.m. Police say she pulled out in front of a garbage truck that unable to stop on the icy roads. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Read: Old Bridge Woman Dies In Icy Road Crash Wednesday, Police Say

In Newark, two police officers had to be taken to the hospital when a car drove into them on Rts. 1& 9 as they investigated a car crash, authorities said. 2 Cops Hurt, Hospitalized In Newark Car Crashes Wednesday

In Eatontown/Tinton Falls in Monmouth County, six people were injured in a multi-car pile-up. All had to be taken to hospitals but nobody died. Six Taken To Hospital After Multi-Car Crash In Eatontown

"It was a result of severe icing conditions that caused slick and dangerous roadways," said the Monmouth County Sheriff. "Pay close attention to black ice. It's dangerous and deceiving."

In South Brunswick in Middlesex County, there were an incredible 33 car accidents or fender benders this morning. Icy Roads Cause 33 Crashes, Traffic Issues In South Brunswick

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Multiple vehicle accident with injuries in the Eatontown/Tinton Falls area due to the weather. Please stay clear of the off ramp from Routes 18 to 36 East. EMS is on scene. @SheriffGolden cautions all to be aware of black ice. It’s dangerous and deceiving. pic.twitter.com/dUTguxV8qL
— Monmouth County Sheriff's Office (@MonmouthSheriff) January" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/MonmouthSh... 5, 2022