Crash on White Horse Pike in Magnolia leaves NJ American Water worker dead, 3 others hurt

MAGNOLIA, New Jersey (WPVI) -- One worker was killed and several others were injured in a work zone crash on the White Horse Pike in Camden County, New Jersey.

It happened around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday as crews were working in the northbound lane of the White Horse Pike in Magnolia.

Action News has learned that a woman was pulling into the Produce Junction when she lost control of her vehicle for an unknown reason.

The driver hit a parking curb, a bush and then struck four New Jersey American Water workers who were working in the work zone.

Then, with one of those workers on the hood of the car, the driver careened back onto the White Horse Pike, hitting a garbage truck and pinning the victim.

One worker died at the scene. A second worker was taken to Cooper University Hospital in critical condition. Two others were hospitalized for minor injuries, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Officials say the female driver suffered minor injuries.

"I feel for the family. The family is absolutely devastated. I can only imagine," said Magnolia Police Chief John Huston.

Chief Huston says his department does what it can to minimize accidents along the stretch of road.

"We have initiatives to go out and ticket and cite distracted drivers the whole month of April. They did a campaign to go out and get distracted drivers on this road," he said.

Officials say last year alone, there were seven fatal crashes on this state highway along its entire stretch within Camden County.

Commuters and pedestrians we spoke with say it's no wonder.

"It's terrible. It's always some kind of accident," said Janice Moore, of Magnolia.

"Well, I walk up and down here every morning. It's just as bad on this side street where they jump the line here coming around just to get to this light," added David McDevitt, of Magnolia.

The crash investigation is active and ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Samuel Funches of the CCPO Crash Response Investigation Team at (856) 397-4000 and Sergeant James Swan of Magnolia Police Department at (856) 784-1884.