Cranford, NJ – Two teenage girls were fatally struck while riding an electronic bike on Burnside Avenue late Monday afternoon, sparking a countywide plea for public assistance in tracking down the driver involved.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:26 p.m. Monday near the intersections of Hillcrest Avenue, Burnside Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. The victims, both juveniles, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are focusing on a 2021 black Jeep Compass Utility 4D Altitude 4WD with tinted windows that was believed to be in the area at the time of the crash. Authorities released a reference photo of the make and model as they seek witnesses and video evidence.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel urged residents and drivers who may have passed through the neighborhood Monday afternoon to review home surveillance systems and dash cameras for any footage of the Jeep before or after the crash.
The investigation is being led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force in collaboration with the Cranford Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Alex Lanza of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 370-4318 or Cranford Police Detective Jason D’Agostino at (908) 276-0171. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org. Information leading to an arrest and indictment could qualify for a reward of up to $10,000 through Union County Crime Stoppers.
