A fatal accident claimed the life of a 35-year-old man at a dangerous intersection in Elizabeth, New Jersey on the evening of Sunday, August 11, 2024. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was struck by a car while cycling across Route 1 and 9, close to North Avenue, around 10:30 p.m.
Witness accounts indicate that a 20-year-old motorist, allegedly attempting to outpace a changing traffic light, hit the cyclist. The car was reportedly moving at high speed, and the impact was so forceful that it split the bicycle in two and caused the tragic decapitation of the victim.
Shonta Smith, an eyewitness and local resident, told News 12 that the crash’s sound was more deafening than a standard car accident. Smith noted that the light was yellow when the driver entered the intersection and had turned red by the time the car crossed the white stop line. She immediately realized the cyclist was in grave danger.
The victim, known to Smith, was described as a kind and giving individual, always ready to help others despite his homelessness. She spoke of his intelligence, humor, and gentle nature, painting a picture of a man who was always ready to give, regardless of his circumstances.
The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and has not been charged as of this report. The case is currently under investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
The intersection of Route 1 and 9 in Elizabeth is notorious for its unsafe conditions, particularly for pedestrians. The area has a history of fatalities, with 161 accidents reported in 2020 alone, three of which were fatal. Notably, a pedestrian was fatally injured near this intersection in March. In December 2023, a car running a red light caused a crash that killed two taxi passengers at East Grand Street, near the intersection in question.
Regular commuters like Brett Graves are all too familiar with the intersection’s hazards. Graves noted that despite a full minute granted for pedestrians to cross, the intersection remains dangerous due to impatient drivers. Rony Concepcion, another local resident, emphasized that timing is critical as drivers often exhibit aggression when the light turns yellow, honking at anyone who appears hesitant.