Bridgeton Woman Indicted in Fatal Wrong Way Expressway Crash

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A 23-year-old woman from Bridgeton, New Jersey has been indicted on vehicular homicide charges after she drove the wrong way on the Atlantic City Expressway while intoxicated, crashed into a concrete barrier and toll reader, and killed her 24-year-old passenger.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of drunk driving and the need for stricter enforcement and consequences to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk on the roads.

The details

According to authorities, on July 5th, Diana Barrios-Ortiz was driving her silver Infiniti the wrong way on the Atlantic City Expressway in Pleasantville when she crashed into a concrete barrier and toll reader system. Her passenger, David Salas, was killed in the crash. Barrios-Ortiz's driver's license was suspended at the time of the incident.

• On July 5th, at 4:27 am, NJ State Police were dispatched to investigate a wrong-way driver on the Atlantic City Expressway.
• At 5:10 am on July 5th, the 511 traveler information service posted a message about the police investigation and lane closures on the Expressway.

What’s next

A grand jury has indicted Barrios-Ortiz on charges of vehicular homicide. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.