CHATSWORTH, Burlington County, N.J., Oct. 28, 2026 — A crash and house fire on County Road 563 left one person dead and another hospitalized Monday afternoon, October 26, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers responded to the crash around 2 p.m. in Woodland Township, state police said. An 82 year old man was driving a Subaru SUV south with a 76 year old woman when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle near milepost 42.9. The SUV left the roadway, struck two fences and crashed into a house, which then caught fire.
The driver died from his injuries. His passenger was seriously hurt and taken to a nearby hospital. Both were from Toms River.
Firefighters put out the house fire, and no other injuries were reported, police said. What caused the driver to lose control has not been determined.
The crash remains under investigation. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Local Crash Information for Chatsworth, NJ
The crash was reported in Chatsworth, in Burlington County. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Burlington County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Loss of vehicle control can stem from several factors, including speed, road conditions, a mechanical failure or a medical emergency behind the wheel. Investigators typically review all of these before determining a cause.
Does speed make a crash more severe?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the chance of serious injury or a vehicle leaving the roadway.
How do road and weather conditions factor into single vehicle crashes?
Wet pavement, debris, uneven shoulders or poor visibility can all affect how a vehicle handles, especially at higher speeds, and can contribute to a driver losing control.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chatsworth, NJ
If you're involved in a crash in Chatsworth, call 911 right away and stay as far from traffic as safely possible. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Take photos of the scene if you're able, note any road or weather conditions, and get a copy of the police report once it's available. If a fire or structural damage is involved, keep a safe distance until authorities confirm the area is secure.
