On September 20, 2013, Route 78 East in Union Twp., NJ, became the scene of a violent, fatal collision between 2 tractor trailers.

According to reports from the NJ State Police, the accident occurred when a tractor trailer driven by Eddie Johnson of Randallstown, MD., was rear-ended by a second semi.  The vehicles were in the center lane on Eastbound Route 78, when the impact occurred.  The identity of the driver of the second semi has not been released.

The impact was reported violent and sent both tractor trailers careening across the roadway.  The driver of the semi which had collided with Johnson’s rig was reportedly able to bring his vehicle to a stop on the shoulder of the roadway, but Mr. Johnson’s vehicle was forced down an embankment, and through a guardrail and fence, before it ultimately came to rest.

Mr. Johnson was extricated from his truck by rescue personnel, but was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.  According to police, the specific cause of this horrific wreck remains under investigation.