Hammonton, NJ (June 23, 2026) – A 34-year-old Manahawkin man was killed after a crash involving multiple vehicles on the Atlantic City Expressway near milepost 11.3 in Hammonton.
Emergency units responded to the westbound lanes of the expressway after receiving reports of a serious collision on Sunday, June 21. Preliminary information indicates Joseph J. Pagano Jr. was operating a Dodge pickup truck when he was involved in a separate crash with two other vehicles.
Following the initial collision, Pagano attempted to move his vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway. Authorities said he then crossed the westbound lanes and was struck by a Nissan SUV.
Pagano suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead after being struck. A Kia later collided with the Nissan following the crash. All drivers and passengers involved in the secondary collision suffered minor injuries. No additional injuries were reported at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under review. We are keeping Pagano in our thoughts.
What Is Reviewed After a Highway Crash Involving Multiple Impacts?
Multi-vehicle crashes on highways can involve several separate events that happen within a short period of time. Investigators often work to determine the order of impacts, where each vehicle was located, and how traffic movement changed throughout the incident.
Evidence from the roadway, including vehicle damage, debris, and lane positions, can help explain how a crash developed. Investigators may also review witness statements and available video footage to better understand each driver’s actions.
High-speed roadways can create additional challenges because drivers may have less time to react to stopped vehicles or sudden changes in traffic flow. Shoulder areas and lane crossings may also become high-risk locations when vehicles move unexpectedly near active lanes.
