By Crash News Writer 
Old Bridge, NJ (November 11, 2026) – Two Pennsylvania residents were killed and three other people sustained serious injuries in a two-vehicle collision near the Grand Marquis Banquet Hall in Old Bridge on Saturday, November 7. According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Old Bridge Police Department, the accident occurred shortly after midnight when a Ford SUV leaving the banquet hall collided with a Lexus SUV on Route 9.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as 32-year-old Anthony Pizzo and 33-year-old Lindsey Clarke, both of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene after the Ford SUV they were riding in was struck by the Lexus.
Investigators reported that the crash occurred at approximately 12:01 a.m. as the Ford SUV, carrying four occupants, was leaving the Grand Marquis Banquet Hall. The driver was attempting to make a left turn onto Route 9 North when the collision occurred.
According to authorities, a Lexus SUV traveling on Route 9 South struck the driver’s side of the Ford. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to the two back-seat passengers and serious injuries to the three other people involved.
The Ford was driven by a 35-year-old man from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. He and the vehicle’s front-seat passenger were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The Lexus was driven by a 34-year-old Old Bridge resident who also sustained serious injuries. Emergency personnel transported him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for medical treatment.
Officials have not released the names of the surviving drivers or the Ford’s front-seat passenger. Authorities also have not provided updated medical conditions for the three hospitalized individuals.
Family members and loved ones later shared that Pizzo and Clarke were engaged and had been planning their wedding. The couple had become engaged less than a year before the collision, making their deaths especially devastating for those who knew them.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Old Bridge Police Department have not determined what caused the accident. Investigators have not announced whether speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, or another factor contributed to the collision.
Authorities also have not reported whether either driver was cited or charged. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact Old Bridge Police Officer Frank Landi at 732-721-5600 or Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective James Barnes at 732-745-3437.
What Causes Serious Left-Turn Accidents on New Jersey Highways?
Left-turn accidents can occur when a driver attempts to cross oncoming traffic without sufficient time or space to complete the maneuver. These collisions may involve vehicles entering highways from businesses, parking lots, driveways, or intersecting roads.
Potential contributing factors include failure to yield, misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles, distracted driving, and limited visibility. Heavy traffic and roadway design may also affect a driver’s ability to recognize approaching hazards.
Side-impact collisions can be particularly dangerous because the sides of passenger vehicles generally provide less space between occupants and the point of impact than the front or rear of the vehicle. The severity of injuries depends on vehicle speed, impact location, and other circumstances.
Investigators must examine the available evidence before determining why a left-turn collision occurred. The fact that a driver was turning does not automatically establish that the driver caused the accident.
In the November 7 Old Bridge collision, authorities reported that a Ford SUV was attempting to turn left onto Route 9 North when it was struck on the driver’s side by a Lexus traveling on Route 9 South. The investigation has not established whether either driver violated a traffic law.
What Does New Jersey Law Say About Making Left Turns?
New Jersey law requires motorists to exercise reasonable care when making left turns and to yield when required by applicable traffic rules. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-90, drivers approaching intersections must yield to vehicles that have the right-of-way under the circumstances described by the statute.
Other provisions, including N.J.S.A. 39:4-126, govern signaling and require drivers to ensure that certain turning movements can be completed safely. The specific rules depend on the roadway configuration, traffic controls, and movements involved.
A driver making a left turn across oncoming traffic may be responsible for a collision when the driver fails to yield as required. However, the actions of approaching motorists may also become relevant when determining liability.
Investigators may examine traffic signals, roadway markings, vehicle positions, and witness statements to determine whether a driver had the right-of-way. A collision during a left turn does not, by itself, establish negligence.
In the Old Bridge accident, the Ford was attempting to turn onto Route 9 North from the banquet hall area. Authorities have not released findings establishing which driver had the right-of-way or whether either motorist violated a traffic requirement.
Why Are Side-Impact Collisions Often Dangerous?
Side-impact collisions occur when the front or another portion of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These crashes can expose occupants to substantial forces, particularly when the impact occurs near the passenger compartment.
Unlike the front of a vehicle, which generally includes a larger area designed to absorb crash energy, the side provides a shorter distance between the exterior and the occupants. Side airbags and reinforced structures can reduce certain risks but cannot prevent every serious injury.
Potential injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, chest trauma, internal bleeding, and fractures. The severity depends on the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and where occupants were seated.
In the November 7 Old Bridge collision, authorities reported that the Lexus struck the driver’s side of the Ford SUV. Two back-seat passengers died, while the Ford’s front-seat occupants and the Lexus driver sustained serious injuries.
Can a Driver Be Held Responsible for a Fatal Left-Turn Collision?
A driver may face civil liability when negligent conduct causes a fatal left-turn accident. Potential negligence may include failing to yield, disregarding traffic signals, or making a turn when approaching traffic is too close to complete the maneuver safely.
Investigators may examine whether the turning driver had a clear view of oncoming vehicles and whether the approaching driver was traveling at a lawful and reasonable speed. Witness statements and physical evidence may help establish the sequence of events.
Responsibility can depend on the conduct of more than one driver. For example, a turning motorist’s failure to yield and another driver’s unsafe speed may both become relevant if supported by the evidence.
In the Old Bridge collision, investigators have not announced that either driver caused the accident. The available information establishes the vehicles’ reported movements but does not resolve the question of negligence.
Can Passengers Recover Compensation After a Serious Car Accident?
Passengers injured in motor vehicle accidents may have grounds to seek compensation when another person’s negligence causes their injuries. Potential claims may involve the driver of the vehicle they occupied, another motorist, or multiple responsible parties.
Recoverable damages may include qualifying medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. The amount available depends on the injuries, applicable insurance coverage, and the evidence establishing liability.
Passengers generally are not responsible for the driving decisions made by the motorists involved. However, the circumstances of the accident and any applicable defenses must still be considered when evaluating a claim.
In the November 7 Old Bridge collision, the Ford SUV carried four people. Two back-seat passengers died, and the driver and front-seat passenger sustained serious injuries. Authorities have not determined whether either driver was negligent.
What Rights Do Families Have After a Fatal Car Accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey law allows qualifying surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims when another party’s wrongful conduct causes a person’s death. Under the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, an authorized representative generally brings the claim for the benefit of eligible survivors.
Wrongful death damages generally address qualifying financial losses, including lost financial support and the value of certain services the deceased person would have provided. New Jersey law does not ordinarily allow recovery for survivors’ grief or emotional distress as wrongful death damages alone.
A separate survivorship claim may also be available for certain losses suffered by the deceased person before death. The availability of damages depends on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements.
A fatal accident does not automatically establish that another party is legally responsible. The family must establish the elements of the applicable claim, including negligence and causation when the claim is based on negligence.
In the Old Bridge collision, Anthony Pizzo and Lindsey Clarke were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not identified the cause of the accident or determined whether either driver was responsible.
Can Families File Wrongful Death Claims When Two People Die in the Same Crash?
When two people die in the same collision, each death may give rise to a separate wrongful death claim if another party’s legally actionable conduct caused the fatal injuries. The available claims depend on the individuals’ family relationships and the requirements of New Jersey law.
Each claim must establish the applicable elements of liability and damages. The financial losses associated with one person’s death may differ from those associated with another, even when both deaths resulted from the same collision.
The fact that two victims were engaged does not automatically give either person’s estate or relatives the same legal rights as a surviving spouse. New Jersey’s wrongful death rules identify eligible beneficiaries according to applicable statutory requirements.
In the November 7 Old Bridge accident, Pizzo and Clarke were engaged and planning their wedding. Their families’ potential legal rights would depend on the applicable law, their individual circumstances, and the findings of the investigation.
How Does New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect Car Accident Claims?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. Generally, a claimant may recover damages when the claimant’s negligence is not greater than the negligence of the parties against whom recovery is sought, as determined under the statute.
When a claimant shares responsibility for an accident, the amount recoverable may be reduced according to the assigned percentage of negligence. A claimant whose negligence exceeds the applicable statutory threshold may be barred from recovery.
In accidents involving multiple vehicles, investigators may examine each driver’s actions to determine whether more than one person contributed to the collision. Fault cannot be established solely from the type of impact or the direction a vehicle was traveling.
Passengers who did not contribute to the collision may have different liability considerations from the drivers involved. However, the available claims still depend on proving another party’s legal responsibility.
In the Old Bridge accident, investigators have not assigned fault to either driver. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Old Bridge Police Department continue to examine the circumstances.
What Evidence Is Important After a Fatal SUV Collision?
Evidence can help investigators reconstruct how two SUVs collided and determine whether either driver violated a traffic requirement. Photographs of vehicle damage, roadway markings, and final vehicle positions may provide information about the impact.
Witness statements and surveillance footage from nearby businesses may help establish the vehicles’ movements before the collision. Investigators may also review available electronic vehicle data when relevant.
Medical records and findings from the medical examiner can help document the injuries and causes of death. These materials may become important when evaluating potential personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Investigators may also examine roadway design, lighting, traffic controls, and visibility conditions when those factors are relevant to the collision. The availability of evidence depends on the location and circumstances.
In the November 7 Old Bridge accident, authorities have identified the vehicles, their reported movements, and the people injured or killed. Additional findings may clarify why the Lexus struck the Ford SUV.
How Long Do Families Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey generally provides two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3, subject to applicable exceptions. Personal injury claims are also generally subject to a two-year limitation period under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2.
Claims involving public entities may have additional requirements under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. In certain circumstances, a notice of claim must be submitted within 90 days, although exceptions may apply.
Insurance policies may establish reporting obligations that differ from court filing deadlines. Families may need to preserve accident reports, medical records, and other evidence while evaluating their options.
In the November 7 Old Bridge collision, two people died and three others sustained serious injuries. Any potential legal claims would depend on the evidence, applicable deadlines, and determination of legal responsibility.
Old Bridge Police Continue Investigating Fatal Route 9 Crash
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Old Bridge Police Department continue to investigate the November 7 collision near the Grand Marquis Banquet Hall. The accident occurred shortly after midnight when a Ford SUV attempting to turn onto Route 9 North was struck by a Lexus SUV traveling on Route 9 South.
Authorities identified the deceased passengers as Anthony Pizzo, 32, and Lindsey Clarke, 33, both of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. The engaged couple had been planning their wedding before the collision.
Three other people sustained serious injuries, including the Ford’s driver and front-seat passenger and the Lexus driver. All three were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for medical treatment.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact Old Bridge Police Officer Frank Landi at 732-721-5600 or Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective James Barnes at 732-745-3437.
Families affected by fatal traffic accidents may have questions about insurance coverage, financial losses, and their legal rights. A New Jersey car accident attorney can review the available evidence, explain the state’s negligence and wrongful death laws, and help surviving family members understand whether a legal claim may be available.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on information released by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Old Bridge Police Department, and local news organizations concerning the November 7 collision near the Grand Marquis Banquet Hall. Details may change as investigators complete their work and release additional findings.
- Victim identification: Authorities identified the deceased passengers as Anthony Pizzo, 32, and Lindsey Clarke, 33, both of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Loved ones reported that the couple was engaged and planning their wedding.
- Investigation findings: The Ford SUV was attempting to turn left onto Route 9 North when it was struck on the driver’s side by a Lexus traveling on Route 9 South. Authorities have not determined the cause or announced any charges.
- Additional injuries: The Ford’s 35-year-old driver from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, its front-seat passenger, and the 34-year-old Lexus driver from Old Bridge sustained serious injuries. All three were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
- Witness information: Investigators continue to seek information about the collision. Anyone with relevant details can contact Old Bridge Police Officer Frank Landi at 732-721-5600 or Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective James Barnes at 732-745-3437.
Readers seeking additional information about traffic accidents and legal rights can review our New Jersey car accident laws and frequently asked questions in New Jersey. Those considering legal action can also review information about New Jersey personal injury lawyers.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. The information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as the investigation progresses. Anyone affected by a similar accident should consider seeking guidance based on their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this article. Please review our full disclaimer for additional information.