Tragic Early Morning Crash Claims Pedestrian's Life
A pedestrian lost their life in a tragic incident early Wednesday morning on Route 495 in Union City, New Jersey. The fatal crash occurred on the westbound side of the highway near Kennedy Boulevard, according to reports from ABC7 New York.
The incident took place during the early hours of Wednesday, November 12, 2025, creating widespread disruption for morning commuters heading toward New York City through the Lincoln Tunnel.
Major Traffic Disruptions and Lane Closures
The aftermath of the crash triggered significant traffic complications throughout the area. Westbound traffic moving away from the Lincoln Tunnel faced immediate diversions onto local streets, causing substantial congestion that spread across Union City and surrounding neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, inbound traffic toward New York City experienced severe delays that extended back along Route 3 by the Meadowlands. The express bus lane was closed, forcing buses to merge with regular traffic and compounding the congestion problems during peak morning hours.
Commuters Advised to Seek Alternate Routes
Transportation authorities quickly responded to the developing situation by urging commuters to consider alternative crossings into New York City. The George Washington Bridge was recommended as the primary alternate route for those attempting to reach Manhattan from New Jersey.
As drivers slowed to observe the crash scene, the traffic backup worsened, creating a ripple effect that impacted multiple major roadways in the region. The combination of diverted traffic, closed lanes, and rubbernecking created what transportation officials described as one of the significant morning traffic events in recent weeks.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities, who have not yet released additional details about the circumstances leading to the pedestrian's death. The identity of the deceased has not been made public pending notification of family members.
This remains a developing story, and authorities continue to work at the scene while investigators piece together what led to this tragic incident that has disrupted travel for thousands of commuters.