By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey State Police are investigating a deadly crash on Interstate 295 in Mount Laurel Township that shut down all northbound lanes Sunday evening.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred near mile marker 36 on the northbound side of the highway.
Initial reports indicate a passenger vehicle struck the rear of a tractor-trailer that was parked on the shoulder of the roadway.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and worked frantically to extricate occupants trapped inside the heavily damaged vehicle.
Authorities reported that the crash was accompanied by a vehicle fire and extensive entrapment, making rescue efforts difficult.
While officials have not yet released the exact number of victims involved, preliminary reports indicate that at least one person was killed in the collision.
Additional fatalities have not been confirmed by authorities, and investigators are working to determine exactly how many occupants were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The severity of the incident prompted the closure of all northbound lanes of Interstate 295 for several hours as emergency crews conducted recovery operations and investigators processed the scene.
New Jersey State Police are leading the investigation. No identities have been released, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active review.
This is a developing story.
We will provide updates as additional information becomes available from state police.