EAST BRUNSWICK, Middlesex County, N.J., Oct. 30, 2026 — A 28-year-old woman died early on Thursday morning, October 29, after she was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of State Highway 18 and Racetrack Road in East Brunswick, according to the East Brunswick Police Department.
Officers responded to the intersection around 5:09 a.m. after a 911 caller reported that a vehicle had hit a pedestrian. The woman, identified by the department as Michelle F. Chitacapa, 28, of East Brunswick, was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.
The driver stayed at the scene and was not hurt, according to the department. No charges have been announced, and the circumstances that led to the crash remain under investigation.
Patrolman Michael Manning of the department's Traffic Safety Section is handling the follow-up investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact the Traffic Safety Section or submit a tip through the department's confidential tip line.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Intersection Crashes in New Jersey
This fatal crash happened at State Highway 18 and Racetrack Road in East Brunswick, NJ. Our New Jersey intersections page covers intersection crashes across New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes pedestrian crashes like this one?
Pedestrian crashes commonly happen at intersections and involve factors such as low visibility, driver inattention, or a pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk. Investigators determine the specific cause case by case.
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of severe or fatal injury to a pedestrian.
Where do most pedestrian crashes occur?
Many happen at or near intersections, especially where roads carry higher speeds or limited lighting, similar to the Rte 18 and Racetrack Road area where this crash happened.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Reduced visibility after dark or in early morning hours, as in this case around 5 a.m., is a factor in a notable share of pedestrian crashes nationwide.
