Turnersville, NJ (February 17, 2026) – A pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries early Sunday morning after being struck in a hit-and-run crash along State Highway 42. The collision occurred on February 15 at approximately 4:34 a.m. near the intersection of State Highway 42 and Whitman Drive.
According to investigators, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV was traveling southbound on State Hwy 42 when the passenger side of the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking southbound along the shoulder near Whitman Dr. After the impact, the Mercedes fled the scene. Authorities later identified the registered owner using license plate reader technology.
The pedestrian was transported to Jefferson Hospital in Washington Township before being airlifted to Cooper University Hospital Trauma Center in Camden for advanced treatment of life-threatening injuries. State Hwy 42 between Greentree Rd and Whitman Dr was closed for approximately two hours while officers investigated and cleared the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Reported: February 15 at approximately 4:34 a.m.
- Location: State Hwy 42 (Black Horse Pike) and Whitman Dr, Turnersville, NJ
- Type: Hit-and-run pedestrian crash
- Injuries: One pedestrian with life-threatening injuries
- Investigation: Ongoing
What We Know So Far
- A 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was traveling southbound on State Hwy 42.
- The passenger side of the SUV struck a pedestrian walking along the shoulder.
- The vehicle fled the scene after the crash.
- The pedestrian was first taken to Jefferson Hospital, then airlifted to Cooper University Hospital Trauma Center.
- The roadway was closed for about two hours between Greentree Rd and Whitman Dr.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identity and condition update of the pedestrian.
- Whether charges have been filed.
- The exact circumstances leading up to the collision.
- Whether additional witnesses have come forward.
State Hwy 42, also known as Black Horse Pike, is a heavily traveled corridor through Turnersville, especially during early morning hours when traffic speeds can vary. When a serious hit-and-run occurs, officers typically shut down sections of the roadway to document evidence, review surveillance or license plate reader data, and canvass for witnesses. Air medical transport may be requested in cases involving life-threatening injuries to ensure rapid access to trauma care. Extended closures are common while investigators collect debris and analyze vehicle impact points before reopening traffic lanes.
What to Do Next
- If you witness a hit-and-run, call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the vehicle and direction of travel.
- Remain at the scene if it is safe and cooperate with responding officers.
- If you have dashcam or surveillance footage from the area, preserve it and share it with investigators.
- When walking along roadways, use reflective clothing and remain as far from traffic lanes as possible, especially in low-light conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might early details change after the initial call?
Initial reports are often based on witness statements. As investigators gather evidence and review technology such as license plate readers, additional facts may emerge.
Why are pedestrian accidents often so serious?
Pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle’s structure, which increases the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries in a collision.
Why can lanes stay restricted even after injured people are helped?
Officers may keep roadways closed while documenting evidence, measuring the scene, and ensuring it is safe to reopen traffic.
