1 Dead, 1 Hospitalized In Gloucester County Drag Racing Accident
FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (CBS) – Officials say one person was killed in a drag racing crash in southern New Jersey.
The accident happened at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday in the area of Grant and Jackson Avenues.
According to police, two cars were drag racing when both drivers lost control.
Authorities say a 1999 Honda Accord crashed into a tree at Grant and Jackson Avenues, overturned and caught fire.
Police say the driver, identified as 21-year-old John Dingle Jr. of Clayton, was able to get out of the vehicle and was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in stable condition with minor injuries.
Officials say the second car, a 1992 BMW sedan, overturned and went into a small body of water off Little Ease Run.
Police say that driver, identified as 21-year-old Lateef Scarlett of Clayton, was pulled from his car by the Malaga Dive Team and Rescue unit two hours after the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy report determined the cause of death was drowning.
Authorities say there were no other occupants in either car.
Police say that alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
Officials are still investigating.
