TOMS RIVER, Ocean County, N.J., Oct. 26, 2026 — Two women from New Jersey died Saturday night, October 24, after a chain-reaction crash involving two passenger vehicles and a tractor-trailer on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River, New Jersey. A third person was hospitalized, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers said the crash happened around 9:42 p.m. in the northbound lanes near milepost 87, where a Genesis and a Freightliner tractor-trailer were stopped in the center lane. A Honda driven by a 22 year old Forked River woman struck the tractor-trailer, ran off the roadway and down an embankment. She was seriously hurt and taken to a hospital.
Moments later, a Ford SUV driven by a 32 year old New Jersey woman also hit the tractor-trailer. The driver and her passenger, a 32 year old woman from Syosset, N.Y., were killed in that collision.
The tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Our sympathies are with the families of everyone who lost their lives, and we wish the injured driver a full recovery.
More Crash News from Ocean County
This fatal crash happened on Garden State Parkway in Toms River, NJ. For other recent crashes near Toms River, NJ, visit our latest Ocean County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
A seat belt keeps a person in place during a sudden stop or impact, cutting the chance of being thrown from the vehicle or against hard interior surfaces. It remains one of the simplest ways to reduce serious injury in a highway crash.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request the official crash report once it's released, contact the investigating agency for updates, and reach out to the county medical examiner's office with questions about next steps. Keeping a written record of any communication with authorities can help later on.
How are fatal crashes investigated?
Investigators typically examine the scene, interview witnesses, review vehicle data and any available video, and determine the sequence of events leading to impact. Reconstruction specialists may be brought in for multi-vehicle crashes like this one.
How long do fatal-crash investigations take?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases close within weeks, while others involving multiple vehicles or unclear causes can take months before a final report is issued.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Toms River, NJ, New Jersey
If you're involved in or witness a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is worth getting, since injuries from a highway impact aren't always obvious right after the crash. Exchange information with other drivers only if it's safe to do so, and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Take photos if you're able, and ask responding officers how to obtain a copy of the official report once it's filed. For families of those involved, staying in contact with the investigating agency is often the clearest way to get accurate updates as the case moves forward.
