A massive search is underway for a driver who fled the scene after striking and killing two women in a Newark crosswalk over the weekend.
The crash occurred on Saturday, at approximately 11:00 p.m. when Newark Police responded to the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7th Street after receiving emergency reports that two pedestrians had been struck.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the two women were walking inside the crosswalk when a vehicle slammed into them. Rather than stopping to render aid, the driver accelerated, continuing northbound on North 7th Street and fleeing the scene.
Both pedestrians sustained severe injuries and were rushed by emergency personnel to University hospital. Despite medical efforts, both women succumbed to their injuries and were later pronounced deceased.
Officials have identified the victims as 58-year-old Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran of Elizabeth, and 61-year-old Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala of Newark.
The incident remains an active, ongoing investigation led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and local traffic units.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released a description of the suspect vehicle, and no additional information is available at this time.