Three dead, children injured in new jersey crash involving school van

RANDOLPH, N.J. — Authorities are investigating a deadly multi-vehicle crash that killed three adults and injured multiple others, including two children, Thursday afternoon on Route 10 in Randolph.

Key Points

A four-vehicle crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. at Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue
Three adults were killed, including two school vehicle occupants
Two children were hospitalized; the investigation is ongoing

Emergency responders were called to the scene at approximately 3:20 p.m. for a collision at the intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue. Initial findings revealed a four-vehicle crash involving a school minivan transporting students and employees from P.G. Chambers School in Cedar Knolls.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of three adults: Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover; Diane Goetz, 71, of Randolph; and Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton. Castaneda and Figueroa were traveling in the school minivan at the time of the crash. Their roles within the vehicle have not yet been specified.

Victims identified, children injured

Two children sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Their conditions have not been disclosed. Two additional adults received treatment at the scene and were not hospitalized, according to officials.

The Randolph Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit are conducting the joint investigation. Authorities said the investigation is active and ongoing, with further updates to be released when appropriate.

Prosecutor Robert Carroll stated, “This is a horrible tragedy for the Morris County community and beyond,” adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, and with those whose lives will undoubtedly be impacted by their loss.”

Investigation continues

Officials have urged residents to be cautious with sharing unverified information online, citing the emotional impact of the incident on families and the broader community. Details surrounding the cause of the crash or any potential charges have not been released.

No other information has been made public as the investigation remains in its early stages.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.