SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ- MyCentralJersey.com reports that a person sustained injuries in a collision on Route 130 that led to a vehicle catching fire. The collision led to the highway being closed in both directions during the morning commute.* According to the police, a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by 23-year-old John Yesalavich of Piscataway was driving […]
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ- MyCentralJersey.com reports that a person sustained injuries in a collision on Route 130 that led to a vehicle catching fire. The collision led to the highway being closed in both directions during the morning commute.*
According to the police, a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by 23-year-old John Yesalavich of Piscataway was driving southbound on Route 130. When Yesalavich attempted to turn left at the intersection with Melrich Road, he was struck by a northbound 2005 Nissan Rogue. The driver of the Nissan Rogue was identified as 45-year-old Benjamin Obeng of the Bronx. When the Pathfinder hit the Fusion, the smaller vehicle spun in the intersection. Just after the collision, the Ford caught on fire.
The drivers both exited their vehicles.
Obeng was brought to the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center for treatment. The victim’s injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The car fire was put out by the Monmouth Junction Fire Department. The burning vehicle led to delays in traffic in both directions.
The investigation revealed that Yesalavich did not adequately ensure that there was no traffic in the northbound lanes before turning. The police cited Yesalavich for failing to yield the right of way, and for obstruction of traffic. The vehicles were both towed away from the scene.
Traffic was slow until around 9:15 a.m.
Left turns cause a large number of crashes. According to some insurance groups, over 30 percent of all severe car accidents are the result of a collision that takes place when one vehicle is turning left. Left turns are also a high-risk situation for pedestrians. Some have actually proposed the complete elimination of left turns.
