Totowa Borough, NJ – A wrong-way crash on Interstate 80 West in Totowa Borough, New Jersey, claimed the life of a 24-year-old Norwich woman early Monday morning and left two others injured, according to the New Jersey State Police.
The deadly collision occurred around 2:10 a.m. Monday, when an SUV traveling westbound was struck head-on by a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction, authorities said.
Victim Identified as 24-Year-Old Norwich Woman
State police identified the deceased passenger as Imani Alexis Furman, 24, of Norwich. Furman was riding in an SUV driven by 60-year-old Joanne Furman, also of Norwich, when the crash occurred.
Officials confirmed that Imani Furman died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the violent impact.
Driver and Child Sustain Serious Injuries
The driver of the SUV, Joanne Furman, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. A 2-year-old child, also inside the SUV, sustained moderate injuries, according to police.
Authorities confirmed that all three occupants of the SUV were from Norwich, though officials have not released further details about their relationship.
Both Joanne Furman and the child were taken to the hospital, where they continue to receive medical care.
Wrong-Way Driver Also Killed
The driver of the second vehicle was identified as Albin Fermin, 30, of Newark, New Jersey. Police said Fermin was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 at the time of the crash.
Fermin was pronounced dead following the collision. Authorities later confirmed that he was a Newark firefighter, adding another layer of tragedy to the incident.
The circumstances that led to Fermin traveling in the wrong direction remain under investigation.
Crash Happened on Interstate 80 West
The collision occurred on Interstate 80 West in Totowa Borough, a heavily traveled roadway in Passaic County. The crash prompted a significant emergency response and resulted in temporary lane closures as investigators worked at the scene.
State police have not said how long Fermin had been driving the wrong way or whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role.
Investigation Ongoing
The New Jersey State Police are continuing to investigate the crash to determine how and why the wrong-way vehicle entered the highway. Officials have not announced whether toxicology tests or additional evidence may shed more light on the incident.
Wrong-way crashes, while relatively rare, often result in severe or fatal injuries due to the high speeds and direct impact involved.
Authorities urge drivers to remain alert, especially during overnight and early morning hours, when visibility is reduced and the risk of impaired driving can increase.
Community Mourns Loss
The death of Imani Alexis Furman has left the Norwich community mourning, as family members and friends struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss. The involvement of a young child and the death of a firefighter have also drawn emotional responses from both communities.
Officials have not released information regarding memorial services or funeral arrangements.
Wrong-way crashes continue to claim lives across the country. What more can be done to prevent drivers from entering highways the wrong way? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
