Elk Twp, NJ (November 3, 2025) – On Friday, October 31, a 63-year-old man from Newfield lost his life after his Jeep caught fire following a multi-vehicle crash on Route 55 in Elk Township.
According to the New Jersey State Police, troopers responded just after 10:00 p.m. to the southbound lanes of Route 55 for reports of a serious collision. Investigators said that three vehicles, a Jeep SUV, a Nissan SUV, and a Ford passenger car, were traveling south when the Jeep and Nissan collided, triggering a secondary crash involving the Ford.
After the impacts, the Jeep came to a stop in the center median and became engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, the driver, identified as David E. Hartman, 63, of Newfield, died at the scene from his injuries. The other driver and the six passengers in the Nissan sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, along with the driver of the Ford, who also suffered minor injuries.
The New Jersey State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. No additional information has been released. Following the incident, first responders closed the southbound lanes of Route 55 for several hours as crews worked to extinguish the fire and clear the wreckage.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time, and we wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents on New Jersey Highways
Multi-vehicle accidents are a
frequent occurrence on New Jersey’s high-traffic highways, such as Route 55, Route 206, the Garden State Parkway, and others. These routes experience heavy commuter and commercial use every day, increasing the likelihood of severe collisions.
Rear-end chain reactions are among the most common types of multi-vehicle crashes, often caused by sudden traffic slowdowns or distracted driving. These can involve several vehicles when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance. Head-on collisions, on the other hand, typically occur when a vehicle crosses the median or travels in the wrong direction on a divided highway, and they are among the most deadly due to the high speeds involved.
Side-impact or T-bone crashes also happen frequently, especially when one driver fails to yield or runs a red light at intersections or merge points. These impacts can cause significant harm to occupants sitting on the struck side of a vehicle. Chain-reaction collisions are another frequent hazard, particularly in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Even a minor initial impact can lead to a pileup when multiple drivers are unable to stop in time.
Vehicle fires after impact, such as the one in Elk Township, are often caused by ruptured fuel lines or electrical damage during high-impact collisions. These fires pose a serious risk to victims and can make rescue efforts more hazardous. Crashes involving SUVs or large trucks also tend to produce more severe damage due to the weight and size difference, which can lead to rollovers or secondary impacts.
The consequences of multi-vehicle accidents can be devastating. Victims often suffer serious injuries such as burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord trauma. Even when physical injuries are less severe, the financial and emotional impact can be overwhelming, with high medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery periods.
New Jersey law requires drivers involved in major crashes to remain at the scene, provide their information, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. In fatal or serious accidents, police typically close affected roads for several hours to conduct investigations and ensure public safety.
Because these accidents can be complex and involve multiple vehicles, insurance companies, and legal questions, many victims and their families seek professional help to navigate the aftermath.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a multi-vehicle collision in New Jersey, you do not have to face the process alone. A wrongful accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle communication with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have been representing crash victims throughout New Jersey for years. Our experienced and compassionate legal team is committed to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially while we fight for justice on your behalf.
Call (800) 923-3456 today to arrange a free and confidential consultation with our legal team at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. We’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
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