Bayonne, NJ (May 28, 2026) – A New Jersey man died Tuesday morning, May 28, after a four-vehicle wreck on the New Jersey Turnpike’s Hudson Bay Extension. It began when a tractor-trailer struck the rear of his SUV while traveling eastbound near milepost 2.8, according to State Police Det. Sgt Caitlin Brennan.
The SUV was driven by 64-year-old Timothy S. Roufaea of Boonton. After the initial strike, the SUV moved forward into a Jeep, which then made contact with a pickup truck. The SUV then drifted right and hit a concrete barrier.
The driver of the SUV lost his life as a result of the chain of events. A front-seat passenger, the only other occupant in the SUV, is receiving care at a local hospital for moderate injuries. People inside the tractor-trailer, Jeep, and pickup truck were not reported hurt.
The inquiry into the wreck remains ongoing. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the man who died.
What Happens in Multi-Vehicle Rear-End Chain Collisions?
When a large vehicle strikes another from behind, momentum can carry through several other vehicles in a short time. This can create a chain reaction where each contact changes the direction and movement of the vehicles involved. Factors such as speed, traffic density, and road conditions often influence how far the sequence extends.
In multi-vehicle roadway events, investigators usually examine vehicle positions, skid marks, and damage patterns to understand how each contact occurred. They may also review driver statements and any available video footage. These details help reconstruct the sequence of movements leading up to the final positions of the vehicles.
Such situations can involve occupants experiencing different levels of harm depending on where they were seated and how each vehicle moved during the sequence. Heavy traffic corridors and high-speed stretches are often more vulnerable to these kinds of cascading road events.
