READINGTON TOWNSHIP, Hunterdon County, N.J., Oct. 29, 2026 — A 31-year-old man died on Wednesday evening, October 28, after his car left the road and struck a tree on Lightfield Road in Readington Twp, according to the Readington Township Police Department.
The crash happened at about 6:34 p.m. Officers arriving at the scene found a Ford Mustang heavily damaged and on fire after it left the roadway and hit a tree. The driver, the only person in the car, was found unconscious and trapped inside.
Officers worked to free the driver while also trying to put out the fire. Once the flames were under control, emergency crews pulled the driver from the wreckage and began lifesaving efforts. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The police identified him as Jayce Anderson, 31, of Whitehouse Station.
The Readington Township Police Department, Whitehouse Rescue Squad, Whitehouse Fire Department, Readington Fire Department, and paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center responded to the scene. The Readington Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the crash. No cause has been released, and anyone with information has been asked to contact the department.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More on Crashes in Readington Township, NJ
This fatal crash happened on Lightfield Road in Readington Township, NJ. We cover crashes across Hunterdon County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hunterdon County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does wearing a seat belt matter so much in a crash like this?
A seat belt keeps a driver positioned behind the wheel and lowers the chance of being thrown or trapped if a vehicle leaves the road or strikes a fixed object, which can make rescue and extrication faster.
What should a family do after a fatal crash?
Families can request the official crash report from the investigating agency, keep records of any correspondence, and reach out to the department's contact listed in the release with questions as the investigation moves forward.
How are fatal crashes like this one investigated?
An agency's traffic unit typically examines the scene, the vehicle, and any available evidence to determine how the crash happened, usually working alongside fire and rescue personnel who responded.
How long does a fatal-crash investigation usually take?
Timelines vary widely depending on the complexity of the crash and whether evidence such as vehicle data or toxicology results needs to be processed, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
