Driver killed by own truck in Parsippany

A truck driver was killed on Route 80 in Parsippany Monday when he was ejected from his cab during a crash and was struck by his own vehicle, according to a State Police report.

The accident occurred about 10 a.m. on westbound Route 80 at mile market 42.6, near the exit for Route 202, according to Sgt. Jeffrey Flynn.

The truck driver, Joseph Molinari, 59, of West Windsor, was transported to Morristown Medical Center with what were considered to be “serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” Flynn said. But Molinari’s family later told the state police that he died in surgery.

Flynn said that Molinari was slowing down for traffic when he lost control of his 1995 Peterbilt day cab in the left center lane. His cab then struck a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta in the left lane being driven by Yahtham Rodriguez.

Molinari’s truck then hit the barrier on the left, causing a cab door to open. Molinari was then ejected from the open door and struck by his own vehicle.

Flynn said the report did not identify which door in the cab opened during the accident.

Rodriguez and passenger Levi Rodriguez were not injured in the crash, Flynn said.

An investigation is ongoing, according to Flynn, who said Molinari was not wearing a seat belt. No citations have been issued, he said.

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