Driver crashes into truck, dies in E. Hanover, police said

EAST HANOVER – A motorist died in a head-on, two-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on Ridgedale Avenue, according to township police.

The driver of a two-door black Jeep was traveling east on Ridgedale, where it parallels eastbound Route 280, when it crashed into a large white box truck with a Penske Leasing logo traveling in the opposite direction.

East Hanover police, firefighters and ambulances were observed at the scene about 4 p.m., along with the Crime Scene Unit from the Morris County Sheriff's Office. Investigators could be seen examining the Jeep, which was heavily damaged from the impact and had its front airbags deployed.

The Jeep appeared to be unoccupied about an hour after the accident, which occurred about 3 p.m.

A police dispatcher confirmed the driver of the Jeep had died, but did not report any other details.

Parsippany police blocked off eastbound traffic on Ridgedale at Edwards Road, detouring drivers to Route 46. East Hanover police blocked the road from the other side.

The blockage tied up traffic for miles throughout the area at the beginning of rush hour, including eastbound Route 280, where rubberneckers had a clear view of the accident about 100 yards from the highway. The backups also choked Edwards Road and Eisenhower Parkway in Roseland, which drivers used to detour to Route 10.

This story will be updated as details are released.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-428-6627; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.