A tragic incident in Newark, New Jersey, has left a woman dead after she was dragged by a vehicle for approximately two miles, with the driver mistakenly believing she was a discarded bag of rubbish. The event took place on Friday, 6 November, outside an Extra Supermarket on Lyons Avenue in the city’s Weequahic neighbourhood.
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According to reports from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, emergency services were alerted just before 7 PM when bystanders observed a woman trapped beneath a vehicle in the supermarket parking lot. The response by local police was swift, and they arrived to investigate the distressing situation.
Initial investigations revealed that the driver, who has not yet been named, was travelling south on Sherman Avenue when she struck what she believed to be a black garbage bag. Unbeknownst to her, the object was actually a person, and she continued on her way to the supermarket without realising the grave error that had just occurred.
After parking her vehicle and entering the store for a brief period, the driver returned to her car intending to leave. However, when she attempted to reverse, the vehicle failed to move. It was only at this point that she exited the vehicle to check what was obstructing her path. To her horror, she discovered that a woman was trapped underneath.
The driver immediately sought help from a security officer stationed in the parking lot, who promptly contacted emergency services. Unfortunately, when medical personnel arrived, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of either the victim or the driver.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Officials have yet to establish whether any charges will be brought against the driver involved. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate occurrence.
In light of the tragic event, local law enforcement has reminded residents to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly in busy public areas. Similar incidents, though rare, underscore the importance of driver attentiveness to ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with potential information regarding the incident has been encouraged to reach out to the Essex Prosecutor’s Office. A dedicated tip line has been established, and all communications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
The community is left in shock following the event, grappling with the loss and the circumstances that led to such a heart-wrenching outcome. Further announcements are awaited from local authorities as they continue to piece together the details of the incident and determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.
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