It was a rough Tuesday for Garden State commuters. If you felt like traffic was heavier or more chaotic than usual yesterday, January 13, 2026, you weren't just imagining it. Between a messy multi-car pileup on the Turnpike and a frightening hit-and-run in Newark, the roads were a bit of a minefield.
Honestly, New Jersey traffic is always a beast, but yesterday had some specific spots that were basically a nightmare for anyone trying to get to work or the airport. We saw everything from box trucks causing massive rubbernecking to an NJ Transit bus getting caught in the crossfire of a three-car wreck.
The NJ Turnpike Pileup Near Newark Airport
The biggest headache of the day started way before most people even had their coffee. Around 12:40 a.m. yesterday, the New Jersey State Police had to rush to the northbound lanes of the Turnpike near Exit 13A. This is that high-pressure zone right by Newark Liberty International Airport, so you can imagine the mess it caused.
A box truck and several other cars collided, leaving the road littered with debris. The "Turnpike crawl" is real, but this was something else. Northbound traffic was squeezed down to just two lanes for a significant chunk of the early morning. Two people ended up with injuries—thankfully described as non-life-threatening—and were treated right there on the asphalt by emergency crews.
If you were trying to catch a 6:00 a.m. flight out of EWR, you probably spent a good portion of your morning staring at brake lights.
A Hit-and-Run Shakes Up 15th Avenue
Later that morning, things got even uglier in Newark. Around 9:00 a.m., right when the school and work rush is usually tapering off, a driver struck someone at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Morris Avenue.
The worst part? The driver didn't even stop.
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Witness reports suggest a vehicle hit a pedestrian or cyclist and then just sped away before the sirens could even be heard. Newark Police are still hunting for that driver. The victim was treated at the scene, but there hasn't been a clear update on how they're doing. It’s one of those situations that makes you want to double-check every crosswalk, even when you have the light.
Chaos in the Central Business District
Midday didn't offer much of a reprieve. Right around noon—12:09 p.m. to be exact—another collision shut down the intersection of Washington Street and Raymond Boulevard. If you know Newark, you know that’s the heart of the Central Business District.
It wasn't a high-speed highway crash, but the impact was enough to send people to the hospital. Newark Police haven't released the names yet, but they did confirm that several people reported injuries. When you have an accident in a high-pedestrian area like that, the risk factor just sky-rockets.
Late Night Bus Crash on Market Street
Just when it seemed like the day was winding down, a three-vehicle wreck happened at 11:08 p.m. near Market and Beaver Streets. This one was a bit weird. A car heading west on Market Street slammed into the back of an eastbound NJ Transit No. 34 bus.
The car then ricocheted and hit a third vehicle.
Miraculously, the four passengers sitting on the bus were totally fine. They probably just felt a massive jolt. However, the driver of the bus and the driver of the car that started it all weren't as lucky. Both were hauled off to the hospital. Police are still trying to figure out if it was a case of distracted driving or something else entirely.
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Why Yesterday Felt So Heavy
It’s interesting because, on the same day all these wrecks were happening, the Attorney General’s Office actually released a report showing that traffic fatalities in New Jersey dropped by about 15% over the last year. That’s a huge win for road safety, but it’s cold comfort when you’re stuck behind a box truck fire or a hit-and-run investigation.
We also saw the NTSB release a preliminary report yesterday about that tragic mid-air helicopter collision in Hammonton from late last month. It seems like "yesterday" was just a day for heavy news and reminders of how fragile things are when we're in transit.
Hidden Injuries: The "I'm Fine" Trap
One thing that experts from firms like Robert A. Solomon or the folks at Metro Law often point out is that many people involved in these Tuesday crashes might feel okay today, but they'll be hurting tomorrow.
In Jersey, we have a "tough it out" culture. But with car accidents, adrenaline is a liar. You might have whiplash or a minor concussion and not even realize it until the swelling starts 48 hours later. If you were in one of those Newark scrapes yesterday, don't skip the doctor.
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How to Get Your Accident Report
If you were involved in any of the recent car accidents in NJ yesterday, you’re going to need the paperwork. Don't wait on this.
- For Turnpike or Parkway Crashes: You usually have to go through the New Jersey Turnpike Authority or use the NJSP online portal. It usually costs about $5 to $13 depending on the road.
- For Local Newark Crashes: The Newark Police Department handles these. You can often request them via CrashDocs or by visiting the precinct.
- The 90-Day Rule: This is a big one. If you were involved in that NJ Transit bus crash, you only have 90 days to file a "Notice of Claim" because it involves a government entity. If you miss that window, you’re basically out of luck for compensation.
Staying Safe During the Rest of the Week
The weather has been unpredictable, and with the "January thaw" often creating slick spots at night, the roads aren't getting any easier.
Keep your eyes off the phone—especially in the Central Business District where pedestrians are everywhere. If you saw something at the 15th and Morris hit-and-run, call the Newark PD tip line. They need those witness accounts to close the case.
Check your dashcam footage if you drove through Newark or the Turnpike at those specific times yesterday. You might have captured a license plate or a sequence of events that helps someone get their medical bills paid. Be the "good neighbor" Jersey is secretly known for.
Go check your tire pressure today. The temperature swings we've been having can mess with your traction, and on the Turnpike, you need every bit of grip you can get.