Two people were killed early Sunday after an SUV left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire in Jackson, according to local police.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Hyson Road, said Edward Travisano, a lieutenant with the department. Police initially received reports of a downed transformer but soon learned that a serious motor vehicle crash had occurred.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a black 2023 Toyota Highlander fully engulfed in flames. Travisano said officers attempted to rescue the two occupants inside the vehicle but were unable to reach them due to the fire.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene after the flames were extinguished. They have been identified as Denis Zapata, 29, of Toms River, and Edwin Padilla, 36, of Paterson.