By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating a tragic crash that left a man dead and a child seriously injured near a park in East Orange on Saturday night.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. in the area of 141 South Grove Street, near Haire Park.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting that pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle.
When police and medical crews arrived, they found a man pinned beneath a minivan and a young boy — believed to be his son — suffering from severe injuries.
Both victims were rushed to University Hospital in Newark in critical condition. The father later succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses at the scene told investigators that the minivan appeared to lose control and sped toward the father and son. In a desperate attempt to protect the child, the father reportedly shielded him from the oncoming vehicle.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Officials have not yet released the names of those involved or the cause of the crash.