The Tragic Toll Of Route 10: What We Know About The Fatal Randolph Accident And The Push For Safer Roads

The fatal multi-vehicle collision on Route 10 in Randolph, New Jersey, in April 2025, remains a stark reminder of the highway’s inherent dangers, prompting a significant reevaluation of traffic safety measures in the township. This devastating incident, which occurred at one of the busiest intersections in Morris County, resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including a young child, and has since fueled a community-wide demand for immediate and effective solutions to traffic congestion and reckless driving on the critical state highway.

As of today, December 10, 2025, the official investigation into the specific cause of the crash remains active, led by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Randolph Police Department. The immediate aftermath saw Randolph Township officials take decisive action, formally requesting and securing an extension of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) traffic detail to actively monitor conditions and key traffic signals, aiming to prevent further tragedies and manage the heavy traffic volumes that plague the Route 10 corridor.

The Victims and Details of the April 2025 Tragedy

The horrific four-vehicle crash occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., near the heavily trafficked intersection of Route 10 West and Millbrook Avenue (County Road 656). The collision, which involved a school minivan, sent shockwaves through the community due to its severity and the heartbreaking loss of life.

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Complete List of Fatalities

• Yexsel Reyes Granados, age 4 (Child)
• Diane Goetz, age 71, of Randolph Township
• Bertha Castaneda, age 67, of Dover
• Maria Z. Figueroa, age 58, of Wharton Borough

In addition to the four fatalities, a second child was hospitalized with injuries, alongside other injured individuals from the multi-vehicle crash. The incident required a massive response from first responders, including the Randolph Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Randolph Police Department, leading to the complete closure of a major section of the highway for several hours as the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Morris County Sheriff's Office launched their investigation.

The emotional toll on the surrounding communities of Randolph, Dover, and Wharton was immense, with online fundraisers quickly established to support the families of the victims. The tragedy immediately highlighted long-standing concerns about the safety and traffic management of the Route 10 corridor, especially during peak rush hour traffic.

The Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions

While the Morris County authorities confirmed the active and ongoing investigation into the fatal Route 10 crash, specific details regarding the preliminary cause have not been officially released to the public. This lack of concrete information fuels speculation but underscores the complexity of a four-vehicle collision investigation. Authorities are meticulously examining factors that typically contribute to such devastating accidents on major highways, including:

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• Speeding and Reckless Driving: The high-speed nature of Route 10, particularly in the zones near Roxbury Township and Ledgewood Circle, often leads to severe outcomes when an accident occurs.
• Traffic Signal Timing: The intersection at Millbrook Avenue is a major crossroad, and officials have previously discussed the need for New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) adjustments to traffic signals to ease congestion.
• Distracted Driving: With heavy traffic volume, any moment of inattention can quickly escalate into a catastrophic multi-car accident.
• Roadway Conditions: Investigators would also assess the condition of the road and any potential mechanical failures of the vehicles involved in the collision.

The community awaits the official findings of the investigation to bring closure and to inform future preventative measures. The preliminary investigation involves sophisticated accident reconstruction techniques to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the deaths of Bertha Castaneda, Diane Goetz, Maria Z. Figueroa, and Yexsel Reyes Granados.

Randolph Township's Call for Enhanced Traffic Safety Measures

The April 2025 tragedy served as a critical turning point for traffic enforcement in Randolph. Recognizing the heightened safety concerns and the extreme heavy traffic volumes, the Randolph Township Committee formally requested an extension of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) presence along the Route 10 corridor.

This proactive measure, which was quickly approved and implemented, involves NJSP Troopers actively monitoring conditions and key traffic signals at various intersections, including Millbrook Avenue. The goal is two-fold: to help ease traffic congestion and to improve overall traffic safety through increased visibility and enforcement of traffic regulations.

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A History of Concern at the Millbrook Avenue Crossroads

The intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue has been a known trouble spot for years, not just for its significant traffic volume but also for a history of serious traffic incidents. The local government has been engaged in discussions about traffic congestion and recent accidents on Route 10, exploring various solutions.

• Prior Incidents: A previous three-vehicle accident at the same intersection involved a Randolph Township Police vehicle, underscoring the persistent safety issues at this crossroads.
• Traffic Calming Features: Municipal discussions have included the potential installation of traffic calming features and adjustments to traffic light timing in coordination with the NJDOT to improve flow and safety.
• Regional Impact: Route 10's traffic issues are often compounded by regional events, such as emergency gas main work or the impact of heavy congestion on major arteries like I-80.

The collaboration between the Randolph Township officials, including the Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula, and the NJ State Police is a direct response to the community's demand for action following the fatal multi-vehicle collision. The extended traffic detail aims to enforce speed limits, particularly the 50 MPH zones, and ensure a safer commute for the thousands of drivers who use Route 10 daily.

Moving Forward: A Focus on Long-Term Solutions

While the increased NJSP presence provides immediate relief and enhanced enforcement, the long-term solution to the Route 10 safety problem requires a multi-faceted approach involving engineering, education, and continued enforcement. The tragic loss of life, including that of four-year-old Yexsel Reyes Granados, has galvanized the community to demand lasting change.

Future efforts will likely focus on:

1. Infrastructure Upgrades: Permanent improvements to the Millbrook Avenue intersection, potentially including changes to road geometry or advanced traffic signals, to better handle the heavy volume of vehicles entering and exiting the highway.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives targeting the dangers of speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving on high-speed corridors like Route 10.
3. Data-Driven Enforcement: Utilizing accident data and traffic patterns to strategically deploy law enforcement resources where they are most needed, ensuring the safety of all motorists in Randolph and Morris County.

The Route 10 accident in Randolph serves as a powerful, somber reminder of the fragility of life and the necessity of prioritizing highway safety. The ongoing investigation and the heightened police presence are the first steps in a critical journey toward making one of New Jersey’s busiest highways a safer place for all travelers.