Officials in Monmouth County are investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian and a taxi, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said the incident occurred on March 18 at the intersection of Railroad Plaza and Johnson Street. Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:20 a.m. following reports of a roadway accident.
When officers arrived, they located a pedestrian who had been struck. The individual was later identified as 62-year-old Osvaldo Dantas, authorities confirmed in an official statement.
Emergency responders transported Dantas to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment. Despite medical efforts, officials said he later died at the hospital at 3:53 p.m.
Preliminary findings indicate that a taxi was traveling westbound along Railroad Plaza at the time of the incident. Authorities reported that the vehicle left the roadway, striking the pedestrian and a nearby utility pole.
Officials have not released further details regarding what may have caused the vehicle to leave the road. The driver, described as a male operating a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country taxi, remained part of the ongoing investigation.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation in coordination with the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team and local Matawan police. Authorities emphasized that the review is active and ongoing as investigators work to determine the full sequence of events.
At this stage, no charges or citations have been filed. Officials noted that such decisions will depend on the outcome of the investigation and any evidence gathered.
Investigators are continuing to collect information, including witness accounts and any available surveillance footage, to better understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities are asking members of the public who may have seen the incident or have relevant information to come forward. Detectives say community cooperation can play an important role in helping establish a clear picture of what occurred.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office or Matawan Police Department through the provided tip lines.
Officials say updates will be shared as more details become available and the investigation progresses.
