By: Richard L. Smith
A violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 78 in Newark claimed the life of at least one person and left several others critically injured Tuesday morning.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under an active and ongoing investigation by New Jersey State Police.
Here’s what RLS Media has learned so far:
Emergency crews were dispatched to the eastbound lanes of I-78 near Exit 56 shortly before 9:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a serious crash involving multiple vehicles.
Preliminary information from the scene indicated that one vehicle became lodged underneath a tractor-trailer while another vehicle overturned.
Several occupants were reportedly trapped, prompting a large response from fire, EMS and rescue crews.
Firefighters worked to extricate the trapped victims while multiple Advanced EMS and emergency units responded to the scene.
At least four patients were reportedly involved in the incident.
Initial reports say one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were reported to be in critical condition. One of the injured victims reportedly went into traumatic arrest while being transported to a trauma center.
The tractor-trailer involved in the crash was reportedly carrying scrap tires.
New Jersey State Police are investigating what caused the collision.
The identity of the person who died and additional information regarding the injured victims have not yet been officially released.
This is a developing story. RLS Media will update this report as additional information is confirmed.