NEWARK, Essex County, N.J., Sept. 17, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash on Broadway in Newark early on Wednesday, September 16, left at least one person injured. The collision was one of two multi-vehicle crashes reported in the city overnight.
The Broadway crash was reported around 3:35 a.m. near 766 Broadway, according to authorities. Four vehicles were reportedly involved. Newark firefighters and police responded to the scene, and one person was evaluated by EMS for injuries. No serious injuries were reported at the time.
A separate three-vehicle crash was reported earlier the same night, shortly before 1:30 a.m., near Fabyan Place and Hawthorne Ave. Detectives said two vehicles reportedly left the scene before officers arrived. One driver was evaluated by EMS in that incident as well.
Investigators have not released information on what led to either crash. Both remain under active investigation, and no further details, including possible charges, have been made public.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
A Common Misconception About Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Many drivers assume chain-reaction crashes happen mainly on highways, where speeds are highest. Local streets and intersections, especially at night when visibility drops and traffic patterns shift, produce their own share of multi-vehicle collisions. Speed is a factor in severity, but proximity, reaction time, and road layout matter just as much.
Another assumption is that pile-ups are rare events involving unusual circumstances. In reality, any spot where vehicles merge, stop suddenly, or cross paths without clear separation can set off a chain reaction with more than two cars involved.
The consequences of these crashes extend beyond the vehicles' occupants. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that people outside the cars themselves, including pedestrians and occupants of other vehicle types, carry real risk when multiple vehicles collide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pile-ups?
They often start with one vehicle stopping suddenly, losing control, or colliding with another, then other drivers behind or nearby are unable to react in time and become involved.
Why do these chain-reaction crashes happen so quickly?
Following distances shrink at night and in heavier traffic, leaving less time to brake once the vehicle ahead reacts to something unexpected.
What should a driver do if traffic stops suddenly near a crash scene?
Slow down early, turn on hazard lights if safe to do so, and leave as much space as possible before coming to a full stop to avoid being struck from behind.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Newark, NJ
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location if the vehicle is drivable and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting since some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, aren't obvious right after impact.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and note details while they're fresh, including where each vehicle was positioned. If police respond, ask how to obtain a copy of the report once it's filed. Newark residents dealing with the aftermath of a crash should also follow up with their insurance company promptly to begin the claims process.
