A fatal accident involving a 35-year-old man occurred on Sunday, August 11, 2024, near North Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The victim was attempting to cross the dangerous intersection of Route 1 and 9 on his bicycle when he was struck by a speeding car around 10:30 p.m.
The cyclist, who is yet to be identified, was hit by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old, allegedly attempting to beat the red light. The collision was so severe that it split the bicycle in two and led to the decapitation of the victim.
Shonta Smith, a local resident who witnessed the incident, said the sound of the crash was more intense than that of a regular car accident. According to Smith, the traffic light was yellow when the driver crossed the white traffic stop line, immediately turning red thereafter, indicating the imminent danger for the cyclist.
Smith, acquainted with the victim, described him as a kind-hearted and generous individual. Despite being homeless, he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She also remembered him as an intelligent and humorous man, invariably ready to give to others.
The driver involved in the fatal collision remained at the scene and has not been charged yet. Currently, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The Route 1 and 9 intersection in Elizabeth is infamous for its perilous conditions, especially for pedestrians. The intersection has witnessed multiple fatalities, including incidents at East Jersey Street and East Grand Street. In 2020 alone, the area saw 161 crashes, three of which were fatal. Earlier this year, in March, a pedestrian was fatally struck near this intersection, and in December 2023, two taxi passengers lost their lives in a collision caused by a driver running a red light not far from the notorious Route 1 & 9 intersection.
Local inhabitants like Brett Graves, who frequently cross Route 1 and 9, are well aware of the risks posed by this intersection. Despite pedestrians being accorded a full minute to cross before the traffic light changes, Graves noted that the intersection remains unsafe due to impatient drivers. Rony Concepcion, another local resident, stressed the importance of timing as drivers often turn aggressive when the light turns yellow, honking at those who hesitate.
