One Maplewood Man Dies, 1 Injured In Fiery I-78 Crash

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A 29-year-old Maplewood man was killed and his passenger was hospitalized following a fiery crash on I-78 early Wednesday morning, according to the state police.

At 3 a.m., a BMW 328 was driving behind a tractor-trailer in the local lanes on the eastbound side, New Jersey State Police Trooper Alejandro Goez said. The BMW then hit the back of the tractor-trailer at milepost 52.6 in Union Township, causing both to become engulfed in flames, Goez said.

The driver of the BMW, Kabeem Buckham, 29, of Maplewood, passed away as a result of the crash. His passenger Tamu Waluye, 28, of Maplewood suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital, Goez said.

A Facebook post from a former co-worker said of Buckham, "I got to know him as someone who really wanted to succeed and be a great real estate agent ... My prayers and condolences go out to your family and all of your loved ones."

Buckham had recently posted on Facebook about open houses in West New York and Jersey City, and a happy birthday video for his mom.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

The highway was shut down for about four hours during the investigation and cleanup.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, police said.

This story was originally reported by Alexi Tarrazi. To keep up with breaking news in Maplewood as soon as it happens, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.