CBS News New York
The crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. Monday on the 40th block of Burnside Avenue. It’s a quiet, residential street where the speed limit is just 25 mph.
The first officers arrived on the scene about two minutes after the 911 call was placed.
The two teenage victims were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but later died of their injuries. At this point, their names and ages have not been released.
Cranford neighborhood mourns girls’ deaths
The entire neighborhood is distraught. Residents said both girls lived in the community and often biked together.
One neighbor said he knew one of the victims, who was a senior at Cranford High School and loved music, acapella and performing.
“It’s just tragic to see someone I knew not be here anymore,” neighbor Nicholas Rengifo said Tuesday morning.
“It’s just absolutely sickening, like I literally wanted to puke, it was so horrible. I just feel so awful for the family,” neighbor Amanda Poda added.
Cranford Superintendent Dr. Scott Rubin shared a message with the school community Tuesday, saying crisis teams will be available.
“Our thoughts are with all of you, and especially the families and closest friends of the students involved. Please look after one another throughout our Cranford community and share any strength you have with those who need it most,” the message read in part.
Hit-and-run driver taken into custody
Investigators could be seen collecting and processing evidence around the neighborhood well into Monday evening.
They were ultimately able to locate the driver of the SUV and took him into custody. So far, no charges have been announced.
CBS News New York’s Nick Caloway spoke with one victim’s relatives, who indicated the girls knew the driver involved.
Cranford is located in Union County, New Jersey, about 10 miles southwest of Newark. The Union County prosecutor’s office is now investigating.
Nick Caloway
contributed to this report.
