Four Die in Head-On Crash on Sparta-Newton Road in Andover
ANDOVER, NJ – A GoFundMe page has been established for the wife and mother of the victims of a fatal car crash, to cover “funeral costs, medical bills, and other immediate expenses,” according to her brother Edwin Melendez who established the fund.
In an update, Edwin Melendez said their mother Madelyn Perez will be managing the funds raised by the GoFundMe page because “my sister Digna Melendez is grieving deeply and we wanted to spare her from the responsibility of managing the funds.” He said, “Our mother, Madelyn Perez, will ensure that the funds are used to cover the funeral expenses and provide support to Digna and our family… However, rest assured that Digna is aware of and deeply grateful for your generous donations.”
On Friday afternoon a head on collision on Sparta-Newton Road near the border of Sparta resulted in the death of four people. According to the Andover Police Department they were called to the scene around 4 p.m. after a Jeep Rubicon crossed the double yellow line hitting a Ford Ranger pick-up head on.
The truck caught fire with three passengers trapped inside. Newton residents Andrew Benavente, 36 with his two children Andrew Jr, 13 and 6-year-old Madelyn all died in the at the scene, despite efforts of first responders to put the fire out with fire extinguishers, police said.
The driver of the Jeep, 22-year-old Bruce Cseh was also trapped in his car after the crash. According to police, first responders use a personal vehicle and a chain to put the Jeep from the pickup. Andover Township/Andover Boro and Sparta Fire Department put out the fire and used the Jaws of Life to remove Cseh from the Jeep, police said.
Cseh was flown to Morriston Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries, police said.
Police had the road closed for more than five hours while Andover Township Police investigated the accident, assisted by the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department Crash Team.
Police said they have not yet determined the reason for the Jeep to have crossed into the opposite lane of traffic.
Sparta Township EMS, Sparta Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Atlantic EMS, St Claire’s Paramedics, Newton EMS, Newton Police Department and Sussex County Fire Marshal responded to the scene to provide assistance.
