Police Ask For Public's Help in Turnpike Accident that Killed Teaneck Resident

State Police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate an accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that killed a 64-year-old Teaneck man Saturday night.

Township resident Michael O’Connell was driving his 2002 Mercury Sable northbound in the Turnpike’s eastern spur in Ridgefield when he struck an Acura MDX around 9:30 p.m., said State Police Sgt. Brian Polite.

When O’Connell got out to check the damage, he was hit by another Mercury Sable, Polite said. That driver has not been charged, state police said.

As O’Connell was lying on the highway, he was hit by at least one other vehicle, Polite said. The other vehicles did not stop.

“We’re trying to identify the other vehicles or vehicle,” Polite said.

A passenger in the Acura, identified by state police as 42-year-old Hakim Bangash, of Ridgewood, sustained minor injuries, Polite said. He did not require medical treatment. 

“The road was slushy and there’s really not a question that the roadway conditions played a role in the accident,” said State Police Lt. Stephen Jones. 

Authorities were continuing to investigate, Jones said. 

State Police urged anyone with information to call the Newark station at 973-344-1099.