By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating early-morning crash on the New Jersey Turnpike left three people dead — including a 5-month-old infant — after a tractor-trailer collision in Burlington County.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey State Police, troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at approximately 2:17 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, along the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near milepost 43.1 in Westampton.
Preliminary findings indicate that Elvin Camacho, 35, of North Bergen, was operating a Volvo tractor semi-trailer southbound in the right lane when a Freightliner tractor semi-trailer traveling behind it struck the rear of the Volvo.
The Freightliner was being driven by Albert Speaks, 49, of Plainfield, and was carrying two passengers: Kuirsten Simmons, 33, of Orange, and a 5-month-old infant.
Authorities said the impact caused the Volvo to veer off the roadway to the right shoulder.
The Freightliner became fully engulfed in flames following the collision.
All three occupants inside the Freightliner sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Camacho suffered minor injuries.
The crash remains under active investigation. No additional details have been released at this time.