Tragic Minivan Crash Claims Four Lives in Morris County, New Jersey
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A devastating four-vehicle crash on Route 10 in Morris County has left four people dead, including a 4-year-old child, after a school minivan from P.G. Chambers School was involved in a collision on Thursday, according to local authorities.
The accident, which occurred on one of New Jersey’s busiest thoroughfares, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving families grieving and raising questions about road safety. Among the victims was 4-year-old Yexsel Reyes Granados, who succumbed to his injuries Friday afternoon after being critically injured in the crash. Yexsel was a passenger in the school minivan, which was reportedly struck by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.
Also killed in the collision were two other passengers in the minivan: Bertha Castaneda, 67, and Maria Figueroa, 58. Both were longtime staff members associated with the school and were described as dedicated and beloved members of the educational community. A fourth victim, Diane Goetz, 71, who was driving one of the other vehicles involved in the pile-up, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports from NJ.com, the tragic incident began when a vehicle collided with the school minivan at what witnesses and a family-run fundraiser described as a speed exceeding 80 miles per hour. The impact caused a chain reaction involving four vehicles along a stretch of Route 10 that has been the site of past high-speed accidents. However, as of now, officials have not released an official statement on the cause of the crash or confirmed the exact speed of the vehicle that allegedly initiated the collision.
Another child who was riding in the minivan remains hospitalized in serious condition. Additionally, two adults sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Their conditions have not been disclosed.
The P.G. Chambers School, located in Cedar Knolls, serves children with disabilities and developmental challenges, and the news of the crash has devastated staff, students, and families. In a statement, school officials expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their beloved students and colleagues and extended their support to all affected families.
“This is an unthinkable tragedy for our school community,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to the families of those we lost and to all those still fighting to recover. We are providing grief counseling and resources to staff and families during this time of deep mourning.”
A fundraiser launched to support the family of Yexsel Reyes Granados has already begun to receive donations and messages of sympathy. Organizers shared that Yexsel was a joyful, bright, and loving child who brought happiness to everyone around him.
“Yexsel had a smile that lit up any room,” one family friend wrote. “This loss is immeasurable, and we are heartbroken.”
Local officials, including law enforcement and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, are continuing to investigate the crash. Authorities have not released any information regarding charges or citations and have refrained from commenting publicly on the speed or circumstances of the crash pending the outcome of the investigation.
Traffic along Route 10 was closed for several hours following the collision as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and transport the injured. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police are collaborating on the case and have urged any witnesses to come forward with information.
As the community grapples with the profound grief of this tragedy, public calls for increased traffic enforcement and safer speed regulations along busy routes like Route 10 have begun to grow louder. Residents and advocates are demanding change to prevent future loss of life on New Jersey’s roads.
Memorial services for the victims are being planned, and community vigils are expected to take place in the coming days to honor the lives lost.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.