New Brunswick, NJ (April 23, 2025) – A devastating workplace accident occurred Monday afternoon at Trax Car Wash on Route 18 in New Brunswick, when a vehicle fatally struck an employee and injured two others. The incident happened around 1:15 PM, according to New Brunswick Police.
Authorities report that an 81-year-old driver was entering the car wash’s tunnel when she unexpectedly accelerated, striking Enrique Barahona, a 54-year-old employee from New Brunswick. Tragically, Barahona succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Two additional workers were also injured in the incident, though their identities and current conditions have not been made public. Emergency medical responders treated them on-site before transporting them to local medical facilities for further care.
The crash is currently under investigation by New Brunswick Police, and no charges have been announced at this time. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to determine whether medical, mechanical, or operational issues contributed to the driver’s sudden acceleration.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Enrique Barahona and wish a full recovery to the injured employees.
Workplace and Pedestrian Safety Risks in Service Industry Settings
This tragic accident at Trax Car Wash sheds light on the often-overlooked dangers faced by workers in high-traffic service environments. Car washes, especially those with drive-in tunnel systems, pose unique risks due to the movement of customer-operated vehicles in confined, high-pressure areas.
Pedestrian workers are vulnerable in these settings, particularly when drivers are unfamiliar with the automated systems, distracted, or experience medical episodes behind the wheel. A sudden acceleration—whether due to driver error or mechanical failure—can have devastating consequences.
For employees, even routine tasks like guiding cars into a wash tunnel or drying vehicles can carry significant danger if proper safety protocols are not consistently enforced. Employers must ensure clear communication, physical barriers, and emergency response training are in place to protect staff.
This incident also raises broader concerns about elderly driver safety and the challenges of vehicle control in unfamiliar settings. While age alone is not an indicator of unsafe driving, incidents like this highlight the importance of periodic driver assessments and thoughtful infrastructure design.
If you or a loved one was affected by this car wash accident—either as a victim or family member—Local Accident Reports can help. We connect families with trusted legal support, workplace injury claims experts, and grief counseling resources to assist during these incredibly difficult times. Contact us today for the support you need.
