Three members of one family were killed and another was injured in a crash that closed the southbound New Jersey Turnpike for hours on Thursday, state police said.
The crash occurred at 10:11 a.m. on the southbound side of the turnpike, south of Interchange 5 and County Route 541 in Mount Laurel, Burlington County. That's just south of the Rancocas Creek bridge.
Officials said two trucks and at least two passenger vehicles were involved in the wreck, and one of the tractor-trailers jackknifed.
One 18-year-old woman with minor injuries was taken by medics to Cooper University Hospital.
On Thursday afternoon, state police said the dead and the injured 18-year-old were all believed to be from the same George family. A dog also from the same vehicle was also killed.
SkyFOX over the scene showed three of the vehicles came to rest near each other just off of the turnpike's right shoulder, although debris was scattered over all three lanes. The family's Toyota Camry was between the two tractor-trailers, while a Ford Edge with rear-end damage was farther down the highway.
The occupants of the tractor-trailers and Edge were uninjured, according to police.
After letting some cars leave the turnpike, New Jersey State Police closed the southbound lanes at 11 a.m. just before Exit 7A so they could continue to investigate.
State police had been advising motorists to use Route 195 West to Interstate 295 South as an alternate route.
The turnpike was reopened just before 3:30 p.m.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, state police said.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:01:42 GMT
Thursday weather looks damp and stormy. It will be mild and muggy to start with spotty showers early followed by afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the upper 70s with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:28 GMT
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into