A tragic incident unfolded on a Tuesday night in Branchburg, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old man from Morris County. The accident occurred on Route 202 near Whiton Road when the driver lost control of his vehicle, leading to a series of collisions that ultimately proved fatal. Despite immediate medical attention provided by first responders, including the Branchburg Police and emergency medical services, the victim succumbed to his injuries at RWJUH Somerset Medical Center. This unfortunate event has left authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The evening was marked by a sudden turn of events as the blue Mercedes coupe, driven by the Whippany resident, veered off the road into the grass median around 10:08 p.m. According to Chief Richard Buck, the car struck a drainage basin, which caused it to roll over multiple times before colliding with a traffic light at the intersection of Route 202 and Whiton Road. Upon arrival, police found the driver lying beside the overturned vehicle, immediately initiating emergency procedures to provide aid until further assistance arrived.
Emergency services, including the Branchburg Rescue Squad and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset EMS, responded promptly to the scene. Additional support came from the Neshanic Company Readington Fire Company and the State Police North Star MedEvac helicopter, although the latter was not required for transport. Instead, the driver was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The severity of the crash necessitated the closure of both directions of Route 202 at Whiton Road, with the state Department of Transportation setting up detours to manage traffic flow.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident, seeking any information that could shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy. Chief Buck encourages anyone with relevant details to contact the Branchburg Police Department or submit tips anonymously through the STOPit app or Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. The community mourns the loss of a young life while investigators work diligently to understand the factors that contributed to this tragic outcome. In the meantime, local authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety and providing support to those affected by the accident.