OLD BRIDGE, Middlesex County, N.J., Nov. 8, 2026 — Two people died and three others were seriously hurt early Saturday morning, November 7, in a two-SUV crash on Route 9 South near the Grand Marquis Banquet Hall in Old Bridge, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the Old Bridge Police Department.
The crash happened at about 12:01 a.m. near the banquet hall, investigators said. A Ford SUV carrying four people was leaving the Grand Marquis when its driver, reportedly a 35-year-old man from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, tried to turn left onto Route 9 North. A Lexus SUV driven by a 34-year-old Old Bridge man struck the Ford on the driver's side.
Two passengers riding in the back seat of the Ford, identified as Anthony Pizzo, 32, and Lindsey Clarke, 33, both of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Lexus driver was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital with serious injuries. The Ford's driver and its front-seat passenger were also hospitalized with serious injuries.
The investigation remains active. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
More on Crashes in Old Bridge, NJ
This fatal crash happened on Route 9 in Old Bridge, NJ. We cover crashes across Middlesex County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Middlesex County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does impairment contribute to fatal crashes?
Alcohol and drug use are common factors in fatal crashes nationwide, though whether impairment played a role here has not been confirmed by investigators. Any such finding would come from the agencies handling the case.
Where do fatal crashes tend to happen?
Intersections and turning movements onto high-speed roads, like the left turn described in this crash, are frequent settings for serious collisions, along with highway on-ramps and rural two-lane roads.
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
Higher speeds, the angle of impact, and whether occupants were using seat belts all affect the severity of a crash. Side-impact collisions, like the one reported here, can be especially dangerous for occupants seated nearest the point of impact.
How does speed affect survivability in a crash?
Even modest increases in speed raise the force of impact substantially, which is why crashes on higher-speed roads tend to produce more serious injuries and fatalities than those at lower speeds.
