A devastating tragedy has shaken Cranford after two teenagers riding e-bikes were fatally struck by a vehicle on Burnside Avenue Monday evening. The crash, which occurred just before 5:30 p.m., marks the second deadly e-bike incident in Union County in less than a week.
According to Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, the teens—both students at Cranford High School—were hit by an SUV whose driver fled the scene on foot. Authorities later apprehended the suspect, though their identity and potential charges have not yet been released. The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals but did not survive.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Cranford Mayor Brian Curran issued a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts go out to all those affected during this time of unimaginable grief. We stand with you in sorrow and solidarity.”
Images from the scene showed an e-bike lodged beneath the SUV with the windshield shattered from the impact, underscoring the force of the collision.
The loss has been felt deeply across the community. One of the victims has been identified as the daughter of a Cranford Station House employee. The restaurant shared a statement expressing their heartbreak: “As parents of four, we are deeply saddened and at a loss for words. We can only pray that something like this never happens again.”
Cranford Public Schools Superintendent Scott Rubin confirmed the district has activated its crisis response team to provide counseling and support. “Please look after one another throughout our Cranford community and share any strength you have with those who need it most,” he urged.
Safety Concerns Amplified
The crash occurred on the very same day local officials launched a pedestrian safety campaign, urging drivers to slow down and respect traffic laws. Hours before the tragedy, Commissioner of Public Safety Kathleen Miller Prunty appeared in a Facebook video highlighting the town’s efforts to reduce speeding.
Witnesses to the crash reported hearing a car racing down Burnside Avenue before screeching tires gave way to the devastating collision. Residents say speeding and reckless driving are long-standing concerns in the area.
A Week of Heartbreak
The deaths come just days after 13-year-old Nico Lombardi of Scotch Plains was killed in a separate e-bike crash involving a landscaping truck. The back-to-back incidents have intensified calls for stricter roadway enforcement and renewed focus on youth safety as e-bikes grow in popularity.
For now, Cranford is united in grief, mourning the loss of two young lives cut short and rallying to support the families, classmates, and neighbors left behind.