By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating series of collisions on the New Jersey Turnpike early this morning resulted in the death of a Pennsylvania man, according to the New Jersey State Police.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:17 a.m. at milepost 64.1 in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike's inner roadway in Robbinsville Township.
Initial reports indicate that the sequence of collisions began when two BMWs, a 428i and an X3, became disabled after crashing into each other.
The situation escalated when a third BMW, a 328i, traveling southbound, collided with the already disabled 428i.
The driver of the 328i managed to park the vehicle on the right shoulder and exited, standing near the roadway.
Tragedy struck when a Hyundai passenger vehicle, also heading southbound, hit the disabled 428i and then the pedestrian, identified as 30-year-old Alton Smith of Levittown, PA, who had exited from the 328i.
The Hyundai then collided with the rear of the parked 328i.
Smith sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The driver of the Hyundai suffered minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Authorities have stated that the crash remains under investigation. Further details have not been disclosed as the investigation continues.
The New Jersey State Police are urging anyone who might have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.