Newark, N.J. – A woman lost her life Friday evening when a driver, believing she was a black garbage bag, drove over her in the parking lot of an Extra Supermarket on Lyons Avenue. The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. in the Weequahic neighborhood.

Details of the crash

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the driver reported that she was traveling south on Sherman Avenue when she struck what she thought was a bag of trash. After the collision, the driver continued to the supermarket, entered the store, and later returned to her vehicle.

When she attempted to reverse, the car would not move. The driver then exited the vehicle, walked around it, and finally saw the woman lying beneath the car. She immediately alerted a security officer, who called 911.

Response and investigation

First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The woman has not yet been identified, and no further details about her identity have been released. The prosecutor’s office has not indicated whether the driver will face charges at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Newark Police Department. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance in crowded parking areas, especially during evening hours.

Community impact

Residents of the Weequahic neighborhood expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. Local community leaders called for increased safety measures in commercial parking lots, including better lighting and clearer signage to prevent similar accidents.

While the investigation proceeds, authorities remind drivers to exercise caution and to verify the nature of any obstacles before proceeding, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.