TOMS RIVER, Ocean County, N.J., Oct. 25, 2026 — Two people died and two others were hurt in a multi-vehicle crash Saturday night, October 24, on the Garden State Parkway northbound near milepost 87 in Toms River Township.
New Jersey State Police troopers responded to the scene at about 9:42 p.m., according to the agency. A passenger vehicle had reportedly broken down in the center lane of the northbound Parkway, and a tow truck had stopped behind it to assist.
Troopers say a northbound car then struck the rear of the tow truck, left the roadway to the right, and went down a grass embankment. A short time later, an SUV also struck the rear of the tow truck, investigators said.
The driver of the first vehicle, a 22-year-old Forked River, NJ, woman, died in the crash. A passenger in the SUV, a 32-year-old Syosset woman, also died. The SUV's driver, a 32-year-old New York woman, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. The tow truck operator sustained minor injuries. No other injuries were reported at the scene, authorities said.
The crash remains under investigation by New Jersey State Police. No further details have been released.
We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
More Crash News from Ocean County
This fatal crash happened on Garden State Parkway in Toms River, New Jersey. For other recent crashes near Toms River, New Jersey, visit our Ocean County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes like this tend to happen?
Highways with fast-moving traffic and limited shoulder space, especially around disabled vehicles or roadside stops, see a higher share of serious and fatal crashes compared with slower local roads.
What factors make a crash more likely to be deadly?
Speed differential, nighttime visibility, and secondary impacts (a vehicle being struck again after an initial collision) all raise the odds that a crash will be fatal.
How much does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which is why even a short delay in slowing down can change the outcome of a crash.
Why does seat belt use matter so much in highway crashes?
Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown within or out of the vehicle during a sudden stop or rollover, which is often the difference between walking away and a serious injury.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Highway Crash in Toms River, NJ
If you're involved in a crash on a highway like the Parkway, try to move to the shoulder or behind a guardrail if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Remember to turn on hazard lights and stay inside a safe area away from moving traffic while waiting for help. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since injuries from a collision aren't always obvious right away. Get the names of responding officers and ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and take photos of the scene if you're able to do so safely. If a vehicle breakdown or roadside stop was involved, note the exact location and any details about warning lights or flares, since that information often matters later.
