HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – A tragic accident on Route 31 has left a high school community in mourning after a head-on collision involving a tractor-trailer claimed the life of a senior student and injured two others. The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon in Mercer County near Pennington Hopewell Road. The students involved were members of the Lenape High School Class of 2025, and the news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community just weeks before graduation.
Grief counselors have been made available on campus to support both students and staff as they grapple with the loss. The school principal expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the impact on the student body and the void left by the deceased student’s absence.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Honda Civic carrying the students veered out of the southbound lane before colliding head-on with the truck. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, transporting all three occupants of the car to a nearby hospital. Tragically, one of the students, a senior boy, succumbed to his injuries, while the other two remain hospitalized.
Nick Moustakas, the mayor of Mount Laurel, spoke about the tragedy’s impact, noting that his own daughters attend the school. He praised the school’s efforts to help students process the event, acknowledging that such a loss is particularly difficult for teenagers to comprehend.
The accident occurred shortly after the school’s senior prom and in the lead-up to graduation, compounding the grief felt by classmates and teachers alike. The community has rallied around the affected families, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
Police have yet to release the name of the deceased student or provide updates on the condition of the injured classmates. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the collision.
As the Lenape High School community grapples with this loss, many are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of sorrow. The school’s administration continues to offer resources and support for those affected by the tragedy.