By: Richard L. Smith
An Englewood woman has died following a tragic accident in the parking lot of Closter Plaza over the weekend, according to Closter police.
Authorities said Andrea Miller, 73, was loading groceries into her car just after 6 p.m. on Saturday when an 89-year-old woman from Allendale, who was backing out of a handicapped parking spot near HomeGoods, accidentally reversed across the travel lane, jumped the curb, and struck Miller.
Miller was rushed to Hackensack Medical Center, where she sadly passed away on Sunday, Closter Police Capt. Vincent Aiello confirmed.
The driver involved has been issued multiple summonses, including improper backing, careless driving, reckless driving, and unsafe operation.
The Closter Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
This tragic event marks the second fatal parking lot accident in New Jersey within a week.
On Thursday morning, an 81-year-old woman was fatally hit by an SUV in the parking lot of an Edison shopping center. In that case, the 63-year-old Edison driver remained at the scene, and no charges are expected to be filed.
Authorities are reminding drivers to remain alert and cautious in parking lots, where accidents can happen in an instant.