Road closed sign - Stock photo by Pisut Veerahong

Major north jersey highway shut down overnight due to fatal crash — Road closed sign - Stock photo by Pisut Veerahong

KEARNY, N.J. — Authorities will close the Newark-Jersey City Turnpike on Tuesday night as part of the ongoing investigation into a double fatal crash that occurred last week, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.

Beginning at 9 p.m., the roadway between Kearny and Jersey City will be shut down to all vehicular traffic, with detours in place until approximately midnight on Wednesday, May 21. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes during that time.

The closure follows a crash reported shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, in the area of 490 Newark-Jersey City Turnpike. Responding Kearny Police officers found two vehicles involved: a BMW sedan and a Ford Transit van.

Both occupants of the BMW were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was identified as Raymond Jackson, 36, of Vernon. The identity of the female passenger remains pending confirmation by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

Nine injured in Transit van from Canada and New York

The Ford Transit van, carrying nine individuals from Canada and New York State, sustained multiple injuries. Seven of the passengers were transported to University Hospital in Newark, while two others were taken to Jersey City Medical Center. One individual remains in critical but stable condition.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Kearny Police Department continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

The Newark-Jersey City Turnpike will be closed Tuesday night as police investigate a crash that killed two and injured nine others.

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