FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH – Franklin Township
FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH – (Franklin Township)
Press Release from Franklin Twp Police Department
On Sunday, July 7th at around 3:20PM, the Franklin Township Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of Lake Road and West Boulevard for a report of a motor vehicle crash, where a car was pinned under a tractor-trailer carrying propane. Upon arrival, it was determined that the tractor-trailer, operated by Michael Brancu, age 48 of Clementon had been traveling west on West Boulevard when it approached the intersection of Lake Road. As it came into the intersection, a 2005 Mazda M3, operated by Mariela Cardoso-Baez, age 19 of Bridgeton entered the intersection traveling south on Lake Road directly in front of the tractor-trailer.
The impact sent both vehicles off the roadway, overturning and pinning the Mazda underneath the tractor-trailer. The driver of the Mazda, Cardoso-Baez, was pronounced deceased at the scene, as well as two passengers in her vehicle, identified as her parents, Jose Cardoso, age 44 and Adriana Baez Mellado, age 45 both of Bridgeton. An 11-year-old male passenger, identified as Cardoso-Baez’s brother was critically injured as a result of the crash and was air lifted to Cooper Trauma where he is listed in critical condition. Brancu had complained of pain to his back and neck and was transported to Inspira Hospital- Woodbury. At this time no charges have been filed in the case. This incident is being investigated by Officer Nicholas Locilento.
Assisting at the scene was the Vineland Police Department, Monroe Township Police Accident Investigation Unit, Malaga Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire Department, Newfield Fire Department, Inspira Paramedics, Gloucester County Ambulance and Cooper Hospital Medivac Unit.