4 Lives Lost: What Really Happened In The Route 10 Fatal Crash That Shocked New Jersey

The search for "Route 10 accident yesterday" often leads to a chilling reminder of the highway’s most recent and devastating tragedy, a multi-vehicle collision that shook the local community to its core. As of today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, while minor traffic incidents continue to be reported, the most significant and heartbreaking event remains the catastrophic four-vehicle crash in Randolph, New Jersey, earlier this year. This in-depth report cuts through the noise to provide the facts, the human toll, and the critical safety context surrounding one of Route 10's deadliest days.

The immediate search for an accident on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, yields typical traffic alerts and minor incidents, such as a non-injury crash involving a tractor-trailer and a car on Route 10 at Littleton Road on Monday, December 8, 2025. However, the public's sustained interest is driven by a much more severe incident that continues to dominate discussions about highway safety in Morris County: the fatal crash that occurred in the spring, the details of which are still being processed by the community and authorities.

The Devastating Multi-Vehicle Tragedy on Route 10: April 10, 2025

The fatal collision that claimed four lives took place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, on Route 10 in Randolph, New Jersey. The crash occurred near the critical and often congested intersection of Route 10 West and Millbrook Avenue just before 3:30 p.m. The incident involved four vehicles, including a school minivan, which immediately escalated the severity of the event and the public's reaction.

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Victims and Initial Casualty Report

The immediate aftermath of the crash was chaotic, leading to significant road closures and a massive response from the Randolph Township Police Department and other emergency services. The initial reports confirmed three adult fatalities and injuries to two children. Tragically, a fourth victim, a 4-year-old boy with special needs who was a passenger in the school minivan, succumbed to his injuries later, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.

The adult victims were identified as three women from the local area, highlighting the profound loss to the community:

• Diane Goetz, 71, of Randolph
• Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover
• Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Dover

The 4-year-old boy who passed away was from Hackettstown. The sheer gravity of the incident—a multi-fatality crash involving a school vehicle—made it a focal point for discussions on New Jersey highway safety for months.

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Investigation Status and Cause of the Route 10 Crash

The investigation into the cause of the four-vehicle crash was immediately launched by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Randolph Township Police Department. While specific details about the driver who caused the crash and any potential charges are not always immediately released, fatal crashes of this nature are subject to intense scrutiny, including toxicology reports, vehicle inspections, and reconstruction of the accident scene. The involvement of a school minivan brought additional attention to the safety protocols for commercial and special needs transportation.

Authorities have confirmed the investigation is active and thorough, aiming to determine all contributing factors, such as speed, distracted driving, or potential mechanical failure. The complexity of a four-vehicle collision requires significant time for a complete and conclusive report to be issued. The community awaits the final findings to understand how such a devastating chain of events could unfold on a major commuter route. The emotional toll on the first responders, witnesses, and the families of the victims has been immense.

The History of Route 10 Safety and Future Improvements

The intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue, the site of the fatal crash, has long been recognized as a high-traffic, high-risk area. This tragic event has reignited urgent calls for improved traffic safety measures along the entire Route 10 corridor in Morris County.

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Ongoing Safety Entity Discussions

Route 10 is a major east-west artery in Northern New Jersey, notorious for its heavy volume of commuter traffic, numerous intersections, and high crash rates compared to other state highways. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and local municipal planning organizations have been involved in discussions and funding allocations for safety improvements for years, even before this recent tragedy.

Key entities and projects focused on enhancing Route 10 safety include:

• NJDOT Bureau of Safety Programs: Responsible for analyzing crash data and prioritizing safety projects.
• Morris County Planning Board: Works with state agencies to secure funding and implement local improvements.
• Federal Funding Initiatives: Millions of dollars have been secured for various projects along Route 10 to address road geometry and traffic flow.

Planned and Proposed Improvements

The focus of many safety initiatives is on intersection design, which is where the majority of serious accidents occur. Specific improvements have been planned or are underway at multiple Route 10 intersections to mitigate the risk of severe collisions like the one in Randolph. These projects include:

• Traffic Signal Improvements: Upgrades at key intersections, including Millbrook Avenue, to optimize flow and reduce red-light running incidents.
• Road Geometry Reconfiguration: Plans to reconfigure the road layout at intersections like South Morris Street and Millbrook Avenue/Munson Avenue to improve visibility and reduce conflict points.
• Jug Handle and Signal Installation: Operational and safety improvements, such as the installation of jughandles and new traffic signals, are planned for other critical spots like Commerce Boulevard.

While these improvements are crucial for long-term safety, the April 2025 crash serves as a stark reminder of the immediate and ongoing dangers faced by drivers on this busy New Jersey highway. The community continues to mourn the victims while pushing for faster implementation of the necessary infrastructure changes to prevent future loss of life.