Tragic Collision on Route 23 in Pequannock Results in Charge Against Garbage Truck Driver

A fatal crash that took place in Pequannock Township on May 8, 2023, has led to charges against the driver responsible. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Pequannock Township Police Chief Daniel Comune announced that a charge has been filed in connection with the heartbreaking incident.

On the morning of May 8, at approximately 5:18 a.m., emergency responders were called to the scene of a devastating collision involving a 2020 Chevy Traverse and a garbage truck at the intersection of Route 23 North and Alexander Avenue in Pequannock Township. The initial investigation found that the Traverse was stopped at a red light when it was rear-ended by the garbage truck, causing the Traverse to burst into flames.

Despite heroic efforts from the garbage truck driver, a bystander, and responding patrol officers, the unconscious Traverse driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Further investigation, including video surveillance, revealed that the garbage truck driver, Angel Carabello-Maldona, 45, of Newark, was using his cell phone at the time of the crash.

Carabello-Maldona has been charged with second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide and is currently being held in the Morris County Correctional Facility. The results of a post-mortem examination for the Traverse driver are still pending.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is only an accusation, and Carabello-Maldona is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. As the community mourns this tragic event, we will continue to provide updates as the case progresses.