By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating a tragic crash that left an elderly man dead Monday evening in Newark’s North Ward, according to a statement from county officials.
The fatal incident occurred on August 4 at approximately 7:53 p.m. at the intersection of Franklin Street and North 6th Street.
Surveillance footage revealed that the victim was standing near the driveway entrance of a Shell gas station when he attempted to cross Franklin Street between a pickup truck and its trailer.
As the traffic light turned green, the driver began to move eastbound, striking the victim and knocking him to the ground.
Witnesses quickly alerted the driver, who stopped after traveling a short distance and remained at the scene.
Emergency responders transported the victim to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m.
His identity has not yet been released pending notification of family.
The crash remains under active investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.