Driver Charged After Fatal Turnpike Construction Crash
A 47-year-old construction worker from Manchester died after being struck by an SUV in Edison.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Accidents
A construction worker was killed early Tuesday after an SUV struck him within a closed construction zone on the New Jersey Turnpike. Police have arrested an Edison man and charged him with multiple felonies, including vehicular homicide.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by roadway workers and resulted in significant traffic disruptions for commuters in the area. Authorities are currently navigating the legal process following the fatal collision.
Anthony Bernardi, 40, was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident. He is currently held in the Middlesex County jail pending a detention hearing.
The players
Brian Flanagan
He was a 47-year-old construction worker from Manchester who also served as a volunteer fire chief.
Anthony Bernardi
The 40-year-old Edison resident has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to the fatal crash.
New Jersey State Police
This law enforcement agency is the primary authority responsible for patrolling the state's toll roads and investigating major traffic incidents.
The details
The collision occurred at 3:52 a.m. when an SUV veered into two closed lanes in a marked construction zone on the southbound outer roadway near exit 10. The victim, 47-year-old Brian Flanagan, was working at the scene when he was struck.
Timeline
The collision occurred at 3:52 a.m. on October 13, 2026.
Traffic congestion impacted the morning commute on October 13, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects broader enforcement efforts under New Jersey's Move Over Law, which mandates safety precautions for workers on public roadways. Similar fatal incidents in the state frequently lead to rigorous prosecution under vehicular homicide statutes.
Residents should anticipate lingering investigative activity near exit 10 of the New Jersey Turnpike as State Police continue their work. The incident serves as a stark reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and obey all signage within active construction zones.
The takeaway
Drivers are reminded to respect all lane closures and traffic signs designed to protect road workers during overnight projects. Paying strict attention to marked construction zones is essential to preventing future fatal collisions.
What happens next
The suspect, Anthony Bernardi, is scheduled for a future detention hearing to determine his status while awaiting trial.
Further reading
For more information on roadway safety incidents in the area, visit Edison accidents.
