UPDATE: Fourth person dies after multi-vehicle crash involving school minivan on Route 10 in Morris County
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) — The death toll in a multi-vehicle crash involving a school minivan on Thursday afternoon has climbed to four, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Yexsel Reyes Granados, 4, of Hackettstown, another occupant of the van, died from his injuries Friday afternoon, Carroll said.
The four-vehicle crash occurred on April 10 at approximately 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue. Among the vehicles involved was a school minivan occupied by students and employees, Carroll said.
Authorities have confirmed that Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover; Diane Goetz, 71, of Randolph Township; and Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton Borough died as a result of the crash. Two children were transported to local hospitals for care, including Yexsel Reyes Granados, who later died from his injuries. Two adults were treated at the scene, Carroll said.
Castaneda and Figueroa were traveling in a school vehicle registered to Alyft Transport LLC, transporting students for P.G. Chambers in Cedar Knolls, Carroll said.
The investigation is being conducted by the Randolph Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. Additional updates will be provided as appropriate,” Carroll said.
“While we cannot disclose many details on the circumstances of this crash at this time, I can say this is a horrible tragedy for the Morris County community and beyond,” Carroll said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, and with those whose lives will undoubtedly be impacted by their loss. We ask that residents exercise discretion with what they share online, as this incident may be deeply traumatic for those in the community.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to contact the Randolph Township Police Department at 973-989-7000 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.
