Details Released In Fatal Rt. 1 Crash Of Hillside Police Officer

LINDEN, NJ — A Hillside Police Officer has been identified as the person killed in a crash on Route 1 Monday in Linden, Police Lt. Christopher Guenther said.

Officer Giovanni Esposito, 30, was reportedly the fatal victim involved in the crash.

The crash occurred around 2:15 a.m. where a 2017 Acura RDX was driving north on Route 1 when it collided with 2007 International tractor-trailer cab, who was driving north in the center lane at the intersection of Pleasant Street, Guenther said.

The Acura overturned following the collision, and both occupants were seriously injured. Both occupants were treated on scene by Linden Fire Department personnel and transported to Newark University Hospital in serious condition.

One victim, Esposito of Hillside, was later pronounced dead and identified by Hillside officials as an off-duty Hillside Police Officer.

The second victim, a 29-year-old Colonia resident, remains in serious condition. The driver of the tractor was not injured, Guenther said.

"The men and women of the Hillside Police Department are deeply saddened to have learned the news of a vehicle crash last night in Linden, N.J. which took the life of one of our own, Officer Giovanni Esposito," Hillside Police Chief Vincent Ricciardi stated. "Officer Esposito was hired less than a year ago, in November of 2017. He then graduated at the top of his class from the Essex County Police Academy. Officer Esposito loved his job and was a warm and friendly person who was well-liked by all who knew him. He prided himself on serving the community of Hillside with diligence and compassion. His death is a profound loss to our department and we will miss him terribly. We wish his family solace and comfort during this extremely difficult time."

Route 1 was closed in both directions between S. Stiles St and Grand Ave in Rahway for most of the morning commute. Northbound lanes were reopened at about 8:45 a.m., however, southbound lanes remained closed until about 10:45 a.m.

The accident remains under investigation by the Linden Police Department Traffic Bureau, and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Investigator Jimmy Solano at 908-474-8505.

(Images via Hillside Police Department: Officer Giovanni Esposito)

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