I-78 Accident Today: 2 Dead After Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Pins Vehicle in Newark, New Jersey

A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 78 in Newark, New Jersey, resulted in the deaths of two local women on Tuesday morning. According to the New Jersey State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 9:10 a.m. along the eastbound local lanes near milepost 56.8.

Investigation Details

Preliminary findings released by State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron indicate that a Mack tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound when it approached a Chevrolet sedan that was stopped in traffic within the left lane. In an attempt to avoid a rear-end collision, the truck driver executed an evasive steering maneuver. The maneuver caused the heavy commercial vehicle to lose control and overturn, crashing directly onto the top of the Chevrolet sedan and crushing it.

Emergency response teams, including Newark firefighters, advanced life support EMS, and rescue units, rushed to the scene. First responders faced a complex extrication process as the vehicle was heavily pinned beneath the overturned truck.

Casualties and Traffic Impact

Authorities formally identified the occupants of the crushed sedan as 42-year-old Ayesha Wright (the driver) and 25-year-old Kendra Rouse (her passenger), both residents of Newark. Both women succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained only minor injuries.

The accident forced the complete closure of both local and express lanes on I-78 heading toward the Newark Liberty International Airport area for several hours, creating immense gridlock across morning commuter routes. The New Jersey State Police are continuing an active investigation into the precise sequence and root cause of the crash.