A tragic accident unfolded on Route 55 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers and serious injuries to multiple individuals, including children. The incident has left the local community in mourning and raised concerns about road safety on this heavily traveled highway.
The Fatal Incident
At approximately 4:15 p.m., 19-year-old Brandan Cary was driving a Honda sedan northbound near Exit 45 (County Road 553) on Route 55. According to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan, Cary’s vehicle made contact with a Honda CRV, leading him to lose control. The sedan veered across the right lane onto the shoulder, where it struck a disabled Dodge SUV before overturning. Both Cary and his passenger, 19-year-old Dominic Reyes, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old passenger in Cary’s vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Impact on the Disabled Vehicle
The disabled Dodge SUV, stationary on the shoulder, was occupied by three children at the time of the crash. All three sustained serious injuries and were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities. The specific conditions of these children have not been publicly disclosed.
Community Reaction
The tragic loss of Cary and Reyes has deeply affected the local community, particularly at Delsea Regional High School, where both young men had strong ties. Superintendent Fran Ciocola addressed the community’s grief in a letter posted on the district’s website, stating, “There are no words that can truly capture the sorrow of losing two young lives too soon. Please know that we are holding the families close in our hearts and as a community we grieve alongside them.” In response to the tragedy, grief counselors were made available at the school to support students and staff during this difficult time.
A Troubling Pattern on Route 55
This incident is part of a concerning series of fatal accidents on Route 55 in recent years. In May 2023, an 8-year-old child lost their life in a fiery crash on the same highway. The accident occurred when a driver attempted to pass vehicles using the center grass median and left shoulder, ultimately losing control and crashing into an overpass, resulting in the vehicle catching fire. Three other individuals, including another child, were injured in that crash.
More recently, in September 2024, a wrong-way driver caused a head-on collision on Route 55 in Mantua Township, leading to the deaths of both drivers involved. The crash occurred when a Jeep Compass, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, collided with a Toyota Rav4, causing both vehicles to overturn and the Toyota to catch fire.
Ongoing Investigations
The New Jersey State Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the March 9, 2025, crash. Preliminary reports indicate that Cary’s vehicle made contact with another vehicle before losing control, but further details are pending as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential contributing factors such as speed, impairment, or mechanical failure.
Community Support and Resources
In the aftermath of such tragedies, community support plays a crucial role in the healing process. Local organizations and counseling services are available to assist those affected by the incident. Residents are encouraged to reach out to these resources to cope with grief and trauma.
Conclusion
The fatal crash on Route 55 serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers present on our roadways. As the community mourns the loss of two young lives and prays for the recovery of the injured, there is a collective call for increased awareness and adherence to traffic safety measures. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, seeking to understand its causes and prevent future tragedies on this and other highways.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
