Tragedy on Burnside Avenue: Cranford Teens Lost to Hit-and-Run

Hit-and-Run Shatters Cranford’s Quiet Evening

On an ordinary Monday evening in Cranford, New Jersey, tragedy struck with a suddenness that stunned the entire town. Two teenage girls, riding their e-bikes together on Burnside Avenue, were fatally hit by a speeding SUV. It was just before 5:30 p.m., a time when families were settling in and children were returning home from after-school activities. Within moments, the quiet of this residential street—where the speed limit is only 25 mph—was pierced by screeching tires and the chaos of emergency sirens.

According to authorities and multiple reports, the driver of the black SUV fled the scene, leaving neighbors and first responders scrambling to help the victims. Officers arrived within two minutes of the 911 call, but despite the rapid response, both girls were airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition. They would not survive their injuries.

Community in Mourning: Faces and Voices Behind the Headlines

Cranford is a close-knit community, where neighbors know each other by name and children grow up together. The loss of two young lives has sent ripples of grief through the town. Residents gathered along Burnside Avenue, some in disbelief, others in tears, as investigators combed the scene for evidence. The girls, whose names and ages have not yet been released, were well-known in the neighborhood. One was reportedly a senior at Cranford High School, remembered for her love of music and performing in acapella groups.

Neighbor Nicholas Rengifo shared with CBS News New York his heartbreak: “It’s just tragic to see someone I knew not be here anymore.” Another resident, Amanda Poda, described the overwhelming sorrow: “It’s just absolutely sickening, like I literally wanted to puke, it was so horrible. I just feel so awful for the family.” The grief was echoed by teens who now feel a sense of vulnerability. “It’s extremely unfortunate that we have kids that are simply trying to walk in the neighborhood and have a nice time and ride a bike,” said Keegan Parkhill to ABC7. “I mean, you can’t even do that anymore without a distracted driver or someone.”

Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments before and after the crash. One neighbor, Clare Garambone, told Patch about hearing a car speeding down the street, followed by a loud crash. The sounds of screeching tires and the sudden commotion left many residents shaken.

Aftermath: Investigation, Arrest, and Ongoing Questions

The immediate aftermath saw police and investigators from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office working late into the evening, collecting evidence and trying to piece together what happened. NewsCopter 7 from ABC7NY captured images of a massive crime scene near Lincoln Avenue, a stark reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold in the most familiar places.

The hit-and-run driver was ultimately located and taken into custody. As of this reporting, authorities have not released the driver’s identity or announced formal charges. The investigation continues, with officials appealing to the public for any information that might shed light on the events leading up to the crash. Residents are urged to contact the Cranford Police Department at 908-370-4318 if they have relevant details.

This incident follows another fatal accident just days earlier in nearby Scotch Plains, where a 13-year-old was killed while riding an e-bike. The repeated tragedies have sparked urgent conversations throughout Union County about the growing popularity of e-bikes, their safe use, and the responsibility of drivers to share the road.

Road Safety Under Scrutiny: E-Bikes and Speeding Concerns

As e-bikes become increasingly common, especially among teenagers, police have been ramping up efforts to educate the public about safety guidelines. Cranford Police recently stressed the importance of helmet use, obeying traffic laws, and remaining vigilant—reminders that now carry a haunting weight in the wake of these deaths. Free safety signs are being distributed to residents, hoping to slow down traffic and protect pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Residents have voiced growing anxiety about speeding and reckless driving in their neighborhoods. The residential streets of Cranford, designed for slow-moving traffic and safe passage, now feel fraught with danger. “People are going way too fast down the street and it’s really scary,” said Garambone. The collective grief has sharpened calls for stricter enforcement and community-wide action to prevent further tragedies.

Social media lit up in the hours after the accident, with hundreds sharing messages of sorrow, anger, and solidarity. Many are demanding change—speed bumps, increased patrols, and more education for both drivers and young cyclists.

Community Response: Mourning, Action, and Hope

In Cranford, the sense of loss is palpable, but so is the resolve to honor the victims by making streets safer. Candlelight vigils and memorials are being planned as families, friends, and classmates gather to remember the girls. Local schools have activated counseling services, and faith leaders are offering support to those struggling to process the tragedy.

While the investigation continues and the community mourns, the conversation has shifted from grief to action. Residents are calling for a renewed focus on road safety, not just in Cranford but across Union County. The hope is that, through collective vigilance and compassion, such heartbreak might be prevented in the future.

The loss of two young lives on Burnside Avenue has exposed the vulnerabilities of everyday life in Cranford, challenging the community to reckon with hard questions about road safety, responsibility, and the future of shared public spaces. As the facts unfold and the investigation deepens, one thing remains clear: the need for meaningful change is as urgent as the sorrow is profound.