FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. — Somerset County authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Franklin Township, where a vehicle was found submerged in the Delaware Raritan Canal.
According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, the incident was reported at approximately 12:24 p.m. when Franklin Township Police were alerted to a motor vehicle in the canal near the intersection of Canal Road and Grouser Road. The submerged vehicle was initially discovered by a kayaker who promptly notified the police.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed damage to guardrails and several trees, indicating a severe crash. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Dive-Rescue Team was activated and responded to the scene. Divers entered the water and located the vehicle, a 2024 Honda Civic, with a single occupant inside. The occupant, identified as a 31-year-old male resident of Skillman, New Jersey, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The vehicle was removed from the canal by Mikes Towing and Recovery.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team and Franklin Township Police Traffic Investigators conducted a preliminary investigation. Their findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Grouser Road toward Canal Road, where the road terminates, requiring vehicles to turn either right or left. The vehicle reportedly entered the intersection without stopping, struck the guardrails, became airborne, and subsequently hit several road signs and a tree before landing in the canal. The vehicle was discovered upright and facing eastbound.
Medical investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause and origin of death.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
