A 13-year-old boy died after he was struck by a car trying ro avoid a collision in Egg Harbor Township on Saturday afternoon.
Gary Battisti, 71, of Egg Harbor Township, was driving east on Delaware Avenue at about 2:20 p.m.and approaching Fernwood Avenue, when a northbound vehicle entered the intersection, Capt. Cherie Burgan said.
Battisti swerved to avoid striking the Mini Cooper driven by 19-year-old Sky Mejiadorado, also of the township, according to the report.
Battisti went off the road and on to the grass shoulder, striking two juveniles who were walking home from Bargaintown Park, Burgan said.
Battisti’s vehicle overturned, and he was trapped inside.
Volunteers from Bargaintown, Cardiff and Scullville fire companies responded and extricated Battisti.
One of the juveniles suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
But the 13-year-old was critically injured, and taken to Shore Medical Center by Egg Harbor Township EMS and AtlantiCare Paramedics, and then flown to Cooper University Hospital.
Despite lifesaving efforts,the teen succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, Burgan said.
The roadway was shut down for about four hours for the investigation.
Summonses are pending.
This crash is being investigated by Sgt. Ed Stearns, and Officers Nate Lahr, Joe Ricevuto and Kevin Brady of the Egg Harbor Township Traffic Safety Unit.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Fatal Crash Team responded and assisted.
The juvenile's name is not being released at this time.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Egg Harbor Township Police Department at 609-926-4021.
