Infant survives after both are ejected during Ocean County collision
LACEY, N.J. — A violent series of crashes on the Garden State Parkway claimed the life of a 20-year-old New York woman Friday after the vehicle she was riding in struck a guardrail, returned to the highway and slammed into another car, ejecting her and an infant from the back seat.
New Jersey State Police said the collision happened just before 3 p.m. in the northbound lanes near milepost 75.8 in Lacey Township.
Investigators said a Toyota sedan driven by 26-year-old Johan Mendez of New York City drifted left and struck the center-side guiderail. After bouncing back into traffic, the Toyota collided with a Hyundai that was also traveling north.
The force of the impact ejected back-seat passenger Iisiz Lopez, 20, of New York City, along with an infant who had also been riding in the rear of the vehicle.
Lopez died at the scene.
The infant survived and was treated for minor injuries, according to State Police.
Mendez and two additional occupants of the Toyota were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The Hyundai’s driver also sustained minor injuries.
The crash brought traffic on the northbound Garden State Parkway to a standstill for nearly three hours while emergency crews responded and investigators documented the scene. The roadway reopened shortly before 6 p.m.
State Police have not announced what caused the Toyota to leave the roadway, and the investigation remains active.
Key Points
- A 20-year-old woman died after being ejected during a Garden State Parkway crash in Lacey Township.
- An infant who was also ejected survived with minor injuries.
- New Jersey State Police continue to investigate what caused the fatal collision.
