Man, 75, Killed After Driver Swerves Onto Wrong Side Of South Jersey Road: Cops

MANTUA, NJ — A man was killed in a head-on crash after a driver swerved onto the wrong side of the road Thursday in Mantua, authorities said.

David F. Butler, 75, of Pilesgrove, was airlifted from the scene before succumbing to his injuries at a trauma center.

The crash happened around 10:50 a.m. Thursday on Bridgeton Pike (Route 45). A Ford pickup was traveling north when it crossed the dashed yellow line that divides the roadway, police said. It then struck Butler's Chrysler minivan in the southbound lane, according to law enforcement.

The driver reportedly crossed into the southbound lane to avoid crashing into a vehicle that was waiting to turn onto Heritage Road, police said.

Officials extricated Butler from his vehicle and rendered aid at the scene. He was brought to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and then flown by helicopter to Cooper Trauma Center, where he died, police said.

Bridgeton Pike was closed for several hours in the area.

The crash is under investigation, and no charges have been announced as of Monday morning.

Anyone with information related to the crash can contact the Mantua Township Police Department at 856-589-0911.