One Dead, Two Hurt in Pileup on I-78 in Union Twp, NJ

Union Twp, NJ (May 30, 2026) – A five-vehicle chain-reaction crash on Thursday evening, May 28, killed one person and left two others injured on Interstate 78 in Union Township. The collision happened around 5:58 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near milepost 52.3.

According to investigators, a box truck struck the rear of a Nissan SUV during the evening commute. The impact pushed the Nissan into a GMC SUV, which then crashed into a Jeep SUV ahead. The Jeep was then forced into a Honda passenger vehicle.

Victor R. Fajardo, 44, of Harrison, New Jersey, was riding in the rear seat of the Honda at the time of the collision. Authorities said he suffered fatal injuries in the wreck. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency units responded to the interstate after reports of the pileup. Responders evaluated the injured victims before they were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two drivers suffered moderate injuries in the collision.

The New Jersey State Police continue investigating what caused the box truck to strike the Nissan SUV. Additional details about the crash have not yet been released.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Victor Fajardo. We also wish the injured individuals a full and swift recovery.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Union Township, NJ?

In Union Township and throughout New Jersey, families usually have two years to file a wrongful death claim. The deadline starts from the date of death, miss that deadline can prevent a family from recovering compensation.

If a loved one died in a crash, compensation may cover funeral costs and lost income. Some claims may also include the loss of financial support provided by the person who died. Each case depends on the facts surrounding the collision.

In Union Township, Interstate 78 handles heavy commuter and commercial traffic every day. Nearby connections with Route 22 and the Garden State Parkway also stay busy throughout the week. Multi-vehicle crashes along this corridor can involve complicated insurance issues.

After a fatal crash, insurance claims can quickly become complicated. Commercial vehicles, multiple drivers, and several insurance policies may all be involved in the same collision. Insurance companies may also dispute fault or try to limit the amount they pay to surviving family members.

Before speaking with insurers or signing any documents, families may want to gather crash reports, medical records, and financial documents connected to the loss. Keeping detailed records can help support a future wrongful death claim.

A New Jersey wrongful death lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and identify the parties involved in the collision. An attorney may also handle communication with insurance companies while families focus on healing.

Our team at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq helps families across New Jersey after fatal crashes. We can review the details of the collision, examine available insurance coverage, and explain what legal options may be available.

If you lost a loved one in a crash in Union Township or anywhere in New Jersey, call Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq at (800) 923-3456 to discuss your case with our team.

Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.

Disclaimer: This content is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided should be construed as legal or medical advice. Additionally, the featured image in this post is not from the actual accident scene.