CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, Middlesex County, N.J., Nov. 13, 2026 — A truck driver died on Wednesday night, November 11, after his tractor-trailer struck a stopped car and caught fire on the New Jersey Turnpike in Cranbury Township, according to New Jersey State Police.
The crash happened just before midnight, at 11:50 p.m., on the inner roadway of the Turnpike's northbound side near milepost 72. A preliminary investigation found a Honda passenger car had stopped on the right shoulder when a Freightliner double tractor-trailer struck its left side.
After the impact, the truck hit the right guardrail, crossed into the north outer roadway, rolled over, and struck a concrete sign support. The Freightliner caught fire, and the driver, a 38-year-old man from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was killed. His name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Photos from the scene indicated the truck was operated by FedEx. The company said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened by the loss of our team member" and that it was cooperating with investigators. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was inside the Honda at the time of the crash. New Jersey State Police said the crash remains under investigation and no further details were available.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More on Crashes in Cranbury Township, NJ
This fatal crash happened in Cranbury Township, NJ. We cover crashes across Middlesex County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Middlesex County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fatal truck crash investigations usually take?
They can take weeks to months, especially when fire damage or commercial vehicle records need to be examined before a cause is confirmed.
What typically makes a roadside breakdown stop dangerous?
A vehicle stopped on a shoulder, especially at night, can be hard for approaching drivers to see in time, raising the risk of a rear or side impact like the one described here.
Where do fatal highway crashes most frequently happen?
They're common on high-speed interstates and turnpikes, particularly at night or during low-visibility conditions, where reaction time is limited.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
High speed, nighttime conditions, and fire or rollover after impact all increase the chance that a crash will be deadly.
