Edison, NJ (February 25, 2026) – On February 22, a 31-year-old man died in a four-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike near milepost 88.9 in Edison. Emergency units responded to the southbound lanes about three-quarters of a mile north of Exit 10 around 4 a.m. after receiving reports of a serious accident.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Alan B. Cahuanasayhua was driving a BMW SUV southbound when his vehicle struck the rear of a pickup truck that was parked on the shoulder. A Lexus SUV then hit his vehicle from behind, pushing both vehicles into a concrete barrier.
Moments later, a Mazda SUV also crashed into the back of Cahuanasayhua’s vehicle. He was ejected during the collision and pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.
The drivers of the pickup truck, Lexus, and Mazda were each injured and taken to nearby hospitals with minor injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes Are Common on High-Speed Highways
Multi-vehicle crashes often occur on highways where drivers travel at high speeds and have limited time to react. When a crash occurs, vehicles behind may not be able to slow quickly enough, leading to additional impacts. This chain reaction can involve several vehicles within seconds.
Stopped or disabled vehicles on the shoulder can also increase risk. Drivers may not notice the vehicle in time, especially in low-light conditions. When one vehicle strikes another, it can create sudden obstacles for approaching traffic.
Protective barriers along highways help prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway, but crashes involving barriers can still cause serious injuries. Awareness and a safe following distance can help reduce the risk of chain-reaction collisions.