Newark, NJ (February 28, 2026) – Three children were seriously hurt in a crash on Wednesday morning, February 25, at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Shanley Avenue in Newark. The collision happened around 8:30 a.m. when a gray van struck a red Toyota RAV4 and then hit a rideshare vehicle carrying the children to school.
Officials said the van driver was attempting to flee from federal agents before the crash occurred. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. The three injured children were identified as McKenzie Fontage, Ma’Kai Fontage, and E’yon Fontage.
All three were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. No additional information has been released about the occupants of the other vehicles involved.
Authorities have not shared further details about the events leading up to the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
Our thoughts are with the injured children as they receive medical care.
Why Crashes During Attempted Traffic Stops Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Crashes that occur while a driver is trying to avoid being stopped often involve sudden acceleration, quick lane changes, and failure to obey traffic signals. These actions increase the risk for nearby vehicles, especially at busy intersections during morning travel times.
When multiple vehicles are struck in a short period, the force of the first impact can push a vehicle into others. This chain reaction can spread damage and increase the number of people hurt.
School travel hours also mean more young passengers are on the road. In these situations, investigators typically review vehicle paths, intersection controls, and traffic patterns to determine how the crash unfolded.
