Monmouth Junction Mother and Child Killed in Wednesday Car Accident in Franklin Township

A Monmouth Junction woman and her 8-year-old daughter were killed following an auto accident that occurred on Route 27 in Franklin Township yesterday. 

According to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, Niesha Middleton, of Monmouth Junction, and her 8-year-old daughter both died from the injuries they sustained in the collision yesterday afternoon.

According to police, Middleton was headed south in a Toyota Scion with her 8-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son on Route 27 near the intersection of Oak Place in Franklin at approximately 2:30 p.m. yesterday.

As Middleton's car approached the intersection of Van Dyke Road, she attempted to pass a vehicle in front of her that was slowing down for another vehicle, according to the prosecutor's office.

Middleton then allegedly swerved into the left southbound lane and lost control of her car when she attempted to re-enter the right hand lane, authorities said. The Toyota Middleton was driving then struck the curb of the roadway causing her right rear tire to blow out, before the vehicle crossed both southbound lanes and entered the inner northbound lane, where Middleton struck an approaching Chrysler minivan taxi, according to the prosecutor's office.

Middleton sustained critical injuries to her head and chest and both children suffered serious injuries. 

The driver of the taxi sustained a leg injury and a passenger in the taxi sustained a left arm injury, according to prosecutor's office.

All five victims involved in the accident were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital by EMS units.

Middleton’s 8-year-old daughter died from her injuries Wednesday evening. Middleton died this morning from the injuries she sustained in the accident. The condition of the 7-year-old child was not available.

The accident investigation is being conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office C.A.R. Team and the Franklin Township Police Department Safety Bureau.

Authorities request anyone with additional information regarding the accident contact either the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad at 908-231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE."

All calls are confidential.