HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – A Manahawkin man lost his life and six other people were injured Saturday night following a complex chain-reaction sequence of crashes on the Atlantic City Expressway.
The Initial Three-Car Collision
According to New Jersey State Police, the incident began when 34-year-old Joseph J. Pagano, Jr., was involved in a minor three-car accident while driving a Dodge pickup truck.
Following the initial collision, Pagano successfully pulled his truck over to the right shoulder of the roadway. No injuries were reported from this first crash.
Fatal Secondary Accident
The situation turned tragic moments later at around 10:16 p.m. near milepost 11.3 on the westbound side of the expressway. For reasons still unknown, Pagano attempted to cross the active westbound lanes on foot.
As he entered the left lane, he was struck by a Nissan SUV. Immediately after the impact, a Kia collided with the Nissan, creating a severe secondary crash scene.
Casualties and Hospitalizations
Pagano sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The occupants of the trailing vehicles suffered less severe consequences. Emergency medical responders transported three people from the Nissan and three people from the Kia to local area hospitals. Authorities confirmed that all six individuals were treated for minor injuries.
The westbound lanes of the Atlantic City Expressway faced significant closures late Saturday night into Sunday morning as investigators cleared the wreckage and mapped the scene.
