A utility worker was killed and three other workers were injured in a crash that closed a stretch of White Horse Pike in both directions in Magnolia, New Jersey, Wednesday morning.
Investigators said a woman driving a white Infiniti SUV was leaving the Produce Junction along the 500 block of North White Horse Pike shortly before 10 a.m. The woman -- who appeared to be in her 60s or 70s -- pulled out of the parking lot and sped to get ahead of oncoming traffic, according to police.
At the same time, four utility workers with New Jersey American Water were working on an underground meter in a work zone in the northbound lane of White Horse Pike. As the woman sped out of the parking lot, she hit a parking curb and a bush and struck the four workers, police said. She then continued driving and struck two other vehicles, including a sanitation truck, according to investigators.
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One of the workers -- a 26-year-old veteran, husband and father of three children -- was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet released his name.
"I couldn't imagine losing a loved one," Magnolia Acting Police Chief John Huston said. "Guy goes to work and doesn't expect this and the family doesn't expect this. And it's terrible."
The other three workers were taken to the hospital. One of the workers is in critical condition while the two others suffered minor injuries.
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The driver was taken to the hospital and investigators are working to determine whether or not she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
SkyForce10 was over the scene of the crash showing multiple police vehicles, an ambulance, a trash truck and a white sheet in the middle of the road.
White Horse Pike was closed between Evesham and Warwick roads due to the crash before reopening.
Police continue to investigate the crash. If you have any information, please call Detective Samuel Funches of the CCPO Crash Response Investigation Team at 856-397-4000 and Magnolia Police Sergeant James Swan at 856-784-1884.
You can also send anonymous tips to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office here.
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