By Crash News Writer 
Edison, NJ (October 15, 2026) – A 47-year-old construction worker was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County on Tuesday morning, October 13. The victim was working inside a designated construction zone when an SUV entered the restricted area and struck him. Police later arrested a 40-year-old Edison man in connection with the fatal collision.
According to the New Jersey State Police, troopers responded to the southbound outer roadway of the New Jersey Turnpike near milepost 87.7 in Edison Township at approximately 3:52 a.m. Investigators determined that a GMC SUV had entered a clearly marked construction zone where two travel lanes were closed.
The SUV struck Brian Flanagan, 47, of Manchester, who was working inside the restricted area. Flanagan sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
Authorities reported that the SUV driver left the scene without stopping.
Following an investigation, New Jersey State Police identified the suspected driver as Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison.
Bernardi was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide, and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in fatal injuries.
Authorities reported that Bernardi was being held at the Middlesex County Jail pending a detention hearing. The charges are allegations, and Bernardi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal construction zone accidents can leave families facing funeral expenses, lost income, and difficult questions about their legal rights. Workers performing roadway maintenance and construction duties may be exposed to serious hazards when vehicles enter restricted work areas.
Understanding the car accident laws in New Jersey can help surviving relatives learn about wrongful death claims and their options for pursuing compensation. When a worker dies in a roadway accident, the family may also need to consider workers’ compensation survivor benefits and whether a separate claim against another party is available.
Investigators may examine vehicle damage, construction zone markings, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine how a collision occurred.
Families should preserve available employment records, insurance information, and communications related to the accident.
Anyone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Edison should consult official law enforcement updates. Obtaining a car accident report may provide important details about the collision and the investigating agency’s findings.
An attorney can help surviving relatives understand applicable deadlines, review potential sources of compensation, and determine whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on information released by the New Jersey State Police and reported on October 13, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional findings may become available.
- Brian Flanagan, 47, of Manchester, died after being struck by an SUV inside a closed construction zone on the New Jersey Turnpike.
- Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison, was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in fatal injuries. These charges have not been proven in court.
- Anyone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Edison should consult official updates from investigating authorities.
- Readers seeking a car accident report can review the frequently asked questions in New Jersey for general information about accident documentation and reporting procedures.
Families affected by fatal roadway accidents can explore accident resources in New Jersey for information about available assistance and recovery-related services.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects available reports at the time of publication and may change as authorities release additional findings. The publisher assumes no liability for decisions made based on this report. Please review our disclaimer for additional information.
If you lost a loved one in an Edison construction zone accident, contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your family’s legal rights and potential options for compensation.