The crash happened around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Route 23 North and Alexander Avenue in Pequannock Township. Prosecutors say a man driving a 2020 Chevy Traverse was stopped at a red light when he was struck from behind by a garbage truck. As a result, the car caught fire.
Prosecutors say there's surveillance video showing Angel Carabello-Maldona, 45, using his cellphone at the time of the accident. Carabello-Maldona's truck hit the Chevy Traverse that was stopped at the red light.
Officials say Carabello-Maldona and a bystander both removed the unconscious man from the car prior to police arrival. Rescue efforts were unsuccessfully attempted by patrol officers and medical personnel, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to prosecutors.
There is still no word on the identity of the victim.
Carabello-Maldona is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility where he awaits his first court appearance.