Two people were killed and another seven injured in a fiery car crash Friday night near the Jersey shore, according to local authorities.
Several vehicles were involved in the crash Friday night, including a 2017 Nissan Sentra, which crossed over the center line of Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.com reported. It slammed head-first into a 2018 Kia Forte and burst into a flames.
The force of the impact also forced the Kia Forte backwards and into the 2020 red Nissan Sentra behind it, which then veered off the road.
The driver of the Kia, 21-year-old Escarlin Suriel from Atlantic City, and a person in the 2017 Nissan Sentra, identified by police as 22-year-old Gabriella Constrantino, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two children, a boy and a girl, who were also riding in the latter vehicle, were taken to area hospitals, where they were listed in critical condition as of Saturday afternoon.
A 25-year-old from Pleasantville and a 27-year-old man from Atlantic City also suffered serious injuries in the crash, while two others were treated for minor injuries. Their names were not released.
Police said the final victim, a Good Samaritan who helped those inside the burning vehicle, was also hospitalized. His condition was not immediately available.
Other people passing by also stopped to help, Egg Harbor Township Police said.
“There were multiple witnesses and other passing motorists who then stopped and assisted in dragging the occupants of the Nissan out of the vehicle before it completely engulfed in flames,” Chief Frederick Spano said in a statement to CBS News. “We are thankful for those individuals who quickly and selflessly acted.”
The Black Horse Pike, a key thoroughfare that connects Atlantic City and Philadelphia, was shut down in both directions as authorities investigated the crash, according to police. It has since reopened.
