By: Richard L. Smith
A 47-year-old New Jersey construction worker was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by an SUV that entered a closed work zone along the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County.
According to preliminary information released by New Jersey State Police, troopers responded to the crash at approximately 3:52 a.m. on October 13 along the southbound outer roadway near milepost 87.7 in Edison Township.
Investigators said Brian Flanagan, 47, of Manchester, was working inside a clearly marked construction zone where two lanes had been closed when a GMC SUV entered the restricted area and struck him.
Flanagan suffered fatal injuries in the collision.
Police said the SUV driver fled the scene without stopping.
Following an investigation, authorities identified the suspected driver as Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison.
Bernardi was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide, and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in fatal injuries.
Authorities said Bernardi is being held at the Middlesex County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.