14 DAY TRIAL // Comedian Tracy Morgan and two other people are in critical condition at the hospital, reportedly fighting for their life, after they were involved in a terrible 6-vehicle crash in New Jersey on Saturday. One man, who was in the limo bus with Morgan at the time of the crash, has died.
Another man was also taken to the hospital, but he has been released since after being treated for injuries.
Morgan and his opening acts were traveling home from Delaware, where they had a show at a local casino. Some 30 minutes before the crash, Ardie Fuqua, one of his friends and collaborators, tweeted that “Road life is a good life!” together with a photo from inside the limo bus.
Initial reports coming from unnamed police sources and cited by TMZ say that one tractor trailer rear-ended the limo bus, which generated a chain collision. The limo bus was overturned and all its passengers had to be taken by helicopter to the nearest hospital. As we speak, Morgan and two other men are still listed as in critical condition.
“Police say 2 tractor-trailers, 2 cars, an SUV and the limo bus were involved in the chain collision – and, at this point, they do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash,” TMZ informs.
Police are yet to determine the cause of the crash, but an investigation is underway. The driver of the truck that started the chain-collision has been charged with one count of death by auto and 4 counts of assault by auto, The Wrap says. His bail has been set at $50,000 (€36,640) and he is expected to surrender himself.
He has been identified as Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, Ga., and was driving a Walmart truck. In a statement released to TMZ, the President / CEO of Walmart Bill Simon has expressed his regret that one of their trucks was involved in such a tragedy and has offered to help the families of the victims in whichever way possible at this time.
If their driver is found guilty of the crash, Simon says, Walmart will cover the medical expenses of the victims.
As of the time of writing, these are all the details available on this tragic crash. Since word of it got out online, fans have been sending well-wishes, kind words of support, and prayers to Morgan’s family, but also to those of the other victims and the deceased.