Eyewitness video captured the fiery scene after a pickup and Ford Taurus collided on Lincoln Drive at Morris shortly after 4:30 p.m.
What it doesn't show is the heartbreaking struggle, as one of the drivers tried to dislodge his leg in the mangled metal to escape the flames.
One man, who doesn't want to be identified, witnessed it.
"I never seen anything like it in my life. It was just so sad; I just don't know what to say about it," the witness said.
He tried to help the trapped victim, but the flames and a series of small explosions forced him back.
"It burned up so fast and so quickly that a fire extinguisher couldn't even do anything with the flames. It was making these loud noises," the witness said.
Firefighters worked to put out the flames.
A mixture of water and fire retardant trickled down Lincoln Drive.
Police say it appears the deceased was speeding in the Ford Taurus, crossed into oncoming traffic, and collided with the pickup truck.
The truck driver was able to escape the wreckage.
"The other driver got out, stumbled, and then a friend helped him and sat him on the curb," the witness said.
The names of the deceased and the survivor have not been released.
The injured person was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center. We are told his injuries are not considered life threatening.
