Crossing Guard Killed in Woodland Park Accident
Residents are concerned about an intersection in Woodland Park after two serious accidents happened in two days. One resulted in the death of a beloved crossing guard.
Police reopened part of McBride Avenue in Woodland Park on Tuesday after another pedestrian-involved crash shut down the roadway for several hours. The latest incident came just one day after a beloved crossing guard was fatally struck at the same intersection, raising concerns about traffic safety in the area.
An 80-year-old crossing guard was killed on the afternoon of May 4 while helping children cross the street. She was escorting two children through the intersection near Lackawanna Avenue when a vehicle struck all three pedestrians.
Emergency responders transported the woman to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The two children involved in the crash were also hospitalized and were listed in stable condition as of the following morning. The driver remained at the accident scene and has not been charged yet. However, the investigation continues.
Flowers and memorial items lined the intersection as community members mourned the longtime crossing guard. Residents and parents described the woman as a familiar and trusted figure who helped children safely navigate the busy roadway near local schools.
Just one day later, police once again closed a section of McBride Avenue after another pedestrian was hit nearby. A 40-year-old Woodland Park resident was attempting to cross the roadway between a car wash and a gas station when he was struck by a vehicle on the afternoon of May 5. Officials said there is no marked crosswalk in that section of the road.
The man was taken to the hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Additional details about the crash have not yet been released.
The back-to-back incidents have intensified concerns among residents, teachers, and parents about speeding and growing traffic congestion along McBride Avenue, particularly during school dismissal hours.
“Sometimes people are speeding and not paying attention to the children,” one nearby elementary school teacher said. “Drivers need to remember this is a school area.”
Residents also pointed to increased development and commercial activity in the area as contributing factors to heavier traffic volumes. Some community members said traffic has noticeably worsened in recent years due to new businesses and warehouse operations nearby.
Several schools are located less than a mile from the intersection, and neighbors are now calling for additional pedestrian safety measures, including crosswalk improvements, traffic calming devices, and stronger enforcement in school zones.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and local police continue to investigate both crashes.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Many people are killed while on the job. Something as simple as crossing a street can lead to fatality when a driver is not paying attention.
A Morristown work-related accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you when a workplace accident has injured you or killed a loved one. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
newjersey.news12.com/four-pedestrians-struck-crossing-guard-killed-in-two-days-in-woodland-park
