A teen driver died from her injuries after a dump truck crashed into her car and a gas station in Mercer County, New Jersey, Thursday afternoon.
The crash occurred shortly after noon at the Shell gas station at Brunswick Pike (U.S. Route 1) and Franklin Corner Road in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
The dump truck came to rest under the gas pump covering. The car appeared to have been torn apart.
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The driver of the car, 18-year-old Daijah McKithen of Lawrenceville, died from her injuries. The driver of the dump truck, a 28-year-old man from Bordentown, New Jersey, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
On Friday, Lawrence Township police said investigators determined that McKithen made a "improper left turn" into the path of the dump truck. No charges would be filed against the dump truck driver who was crossing the intersection on a green light.
McKithen was a senior at Lawrence High School. Dr. Ross Kasun, the Superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools, released a statement on her death.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Daijah McKithen, a Lawrence High School senior involved in a fatal car accident this afternoon. This tragic event has left us all deeply saddened and our thoughts and condolences go out to Daijah’s family and friends during this difficult time. Many students and staff will be affected by this news,” Kasun wrote. “We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time. Over the next few days, encourage your child to express their feelings and listen attentively. You may see behavior changes, loss of concentration, physical complaints, or social withdrawal. Although adults cannot have answers to all the questions that children may have about death, we can help children better understand the grieving process.”
Counseling was made available Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lawrence High School library. Parents of students concerned about their child’s reaction to McKithen’s death may also contact the High School Guidance office or Main Office at 609-671-5510.
Police continued to investigate the crash. If you have any information, please call Officer Thomas Everist at 609-896-1111 or email him at teverist@lawrencetwp.com. You can also call Detective Paulina Way at 609-844-7133 or email her at pway@lawrencetwp.com.
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