Manchester, NJ (February 26, 2026) – A 65-year-old township man died after a multi-vehicle crash in Manchester, according to the Manchester Township Police. The accident happened on Wednesday, February 25, at about 3:26 p.m. at the intersection of Route 70 and Beckerville Road. Police responded to reports of a four-vehicle collision and found several damaged vehicles at the scene.
Officers located a 2014 Lincoln MKX with heavy front-end damage in the eastbound lane. A 2016 Nissan Rogue with major front-end damage rested on the snow-covered dirt shoulder on the eastbound side. A 2019 Honda Passport showed rear driver’s side damage and sat on the westbound shoulder.
Investigators determined that the Honda and Lincoln were traveling westbound on Route 70. The Nissan was heading eastbound at the time of the crash.
Police said the Honda slowed to make a right turn onto Beckerville Road when the Lincoln struck the SUV’s rear driver’s side. After that initial impact, the Honda moved to the westbound shoulder.
The Lincoln then crossed the center line and collided head-on with the eastbound Nissan. The force of the crash caused the Lincoln to rotate about 180 degrees before it stopped in the eastbound lane. The Nissan was pushed backward onto the shoulder, where it came to rest.
A fourth vehicle sustained minor damage, but investigators determined it was not involved in the initial collision.
Lisandro V. Morales, 65, drove the Lincoln. He suffered severe internal injuries, and paramedics took him to Community Medical Center, where he later died. Joseph Rodaligo, 37, drove the Nissan. He suffered internal and neck injuries and received treatment at Community Medical Center. Jociane Costa De Souza, 33, drove the Honda. She and her 4-year-old passenger were not injured, according to police.
Route 70 remained closed for several hours while emergency units worked at the scene. Police said following too closely appears to be the primary contributing factor in the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the man who lost his life.
5 Steps To Take After a Serious Crash in New Jersey
After a serious crash in New Jersey, five key steps can help protect your health and your legal options: seek medical care, report the accident, document the scene, notify your insurance company, and speak with an attorney. Taking these actions in order helps create a clear record of what happened. Quick action also supports both recovery and any future claim.
First, always seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some internal injuries or neck trauma may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Medical records connect injuries directly to the accident and provide a foundation for ongoing treatment.
Second, report the crash to law enforcement and request a copy of the official report. Police documentation often includes diagrams, witness statements, and initial findings. Third, gather evidence if you can do so safely. Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries can become useful later.
Fourth, notify your insurance company promptly, but keep your statements factual and brief. Avoid guessing about the fault or minimizing your injuries. Finally, consider speaking with a car accident attorney who understands New Jersey traffic laws and insurance requirements. A lawyer can review medical records, accident reports, and policy details to explain what types of compensation may be available.
If you have questions after a serious collision in New Jersey, we can provide straightforward information about your options. At Metro Law, we have experience reviewing crash-related cases across New Jersey and explaining how medical bills, lost income, and insurance communication may apply.
You can speak with our team about your situation and learn what steps may make sense. To discuss your case, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476.
