Newark, NJ (May 1, 2026) – A woman died after a pickup truck struck a parked vehicle and crashed into a laundromat in Newark on Thursday, April 30, authorities said. The incident occurred at the Ivy Hill Laundromat on Irvington Avenue and resulted in a fatality inside the business.
Officials reported that a pickup truck driven by Aides Benites Rivera, 45, of Newark, collided with a parked vehicle. The impact sent both vehicles into the laundromat, where an 81-year-old woman, identified as Ruth Benjamin, was seated inside at the time.
Benjamin was struck during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries inside the laundromat were immediately reported.
Authorities stated that Rivera has been charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Court records did not list attorney information at the time of the report.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as officials continue to review the circumstances leading up to the collision.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Ruth Benjamin.
How Vehicle Crashes Into Buildings Are Investigated
When a vehicle crashes into a building, investigators typically work to determine whether the driver lost control, accelerated unintentionally, or struck another vehicle first. These cases often involve reviewing vehicle damage patterns, surveillance footage, and roadway conditions.
Impact force and direction are also analyzed to understand how the vehicle entered the structure. In incidents involving parked cars, investigators may look at how the secondary movement contributed to the final outcome.
Because these crashes can involve both traffic laws and property damage, multiple agencies may assist in collecting evidence and reconstructing the sequence of events.
