By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Burlington County are investigating a violent car crash that claimed the lives of two individuals in Shamong on Monday night.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. near Atsion Road and U.S. Route 206, prompting a massive emergency response involving local police, fire departments, and the New Jersey State Police.
Multiple 911 callers reported an overturned vehicle with people trapped inside.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found a vehicle badly mangled and lying overturned near the roadway. Firefighters and EMTs immediately deployed rescue tools in an attempt to extricate the victims from the wreckage.
Search teams were also brought in to investigate Atsion Lake, located near the crash site, after concerns that one or more occupants may have been ejected into the water upon impact.
Despite all efforts, both individuals inside the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation closed the roadway in the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and investigators to begin piecing together what led to the deadly collision.
As of 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, officials had not released the identities of the victims or confirmed the cause of the crash.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Authorities are expected to release additional details once next of kin are notified and more information is confirmed.
RLS Media will continue to provide updates as they become available.