Hamilton, NJ (April 15, 2026) – A teenager was killed, and another was critically injured following a two-vehicle crash early on Sunday morning in Mercer County.
Police responded to the scene around 4:00 a.m. on Route 130 near the intersection with First Responders Way. The crash involved a Mazda CX-3 and a U.S. Postal Service tractor-trailer.
According to investigators, the Mazda, occupied by two teens from Lakewood, was traveling southbound when it slowed in the right lane and attempted a sharp left turn across traffic. The vehicle entered the path of the oncoming tractor-trailer, which was traveling in the middle lane with a green light. The impact caused both vehicles to cross the median and come to rest in the northbound lanes.
An 18-year-old passenger in the Mazda was pronounced dead at the scene. The 19-year-old driver sustained critical injuries and was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 43-year-old woman, was also injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Emergency crews responded to the scene to assist victims and manage traffic, which was impacted for several hours.
The crash remains under investigation by the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit, and additional details may be released as they become available.
We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and wish the injured a full recovery.
What Makes Left-Turn Maneuvers on Highways Particularly Dangerous
Left turns across active traffic lanes can create dangerous situations, especially on high-speed roadways.
Drivers must accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, which can be difficult in low-light conditions or heavy traffic.
When miscalculations occur, these types of crashes often result in severe impacts due to the angle and force of the collision.
