Ridgefield Park, NJ (May 19, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision on Interstate 80 in Bergen County on Monday night, May 18, sent an SUV into the Hackensack River below the highway. Troopers said the wreck happened around 9:49 p.m. near milepost 66.9 in Ridgefield Park.
According to preliminary information, a BMW SUV and a Land Rover SUV were involved. Investigators said the BMW went over a concrete barrier and fell into the river after contact between the two vehicles. Police identified the BMW driver as 32-year-old Zorawar S. Kohli of Englewood Cliffs.
Officials said Kohli left on foot after the crash and was later found beneath a nearby train before being taken into custody. He faces charges including fourth-degree obstruction, fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight, two counts of assault by auto, and several traffic-related offenses. The driver and passenger inside the Land Rover were treated for minor injuries and taken to a nearby hospital.
Detectives are still working to determine all factors that led to the collision. We hope those injured in the wreck make a full and speedy recovery.
What Factors Are Often Reviewed After an SUV Enters Water Following a Highway Crash?
When a vehicle leaves a highway and enters a body of water, investigators typically review several physical details tied to roadway design and driver actions. Barrier placement, speed, weather, visibility, and traffic flow are commonly examined to better understand how the vehicle left the roadway. Damage patterns on both vehicles can also help clarify the sequence of contact before the SUV entered the river.
Medical evaluations and witness statements may provide additional context during the early stages of the review. In some cases, nearby surveillance footage or traffic cameras help establish timing and movement before the vehicles came together. Water recovery operations may also involve checking vehicle stability, entry angle, and mechanical damage after removal from the river.
