A tragedy unfolded on Monday evening in Cranford, New Jersey, where two 17-year-olds, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were struck and killed while riding an electric bicycle. According to police, a black SUV hit them and the driver fled the scene. The suspect was later arrested, though no charges have yet been filed.

Timeline of the accident
According to CBS News, the crash occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday on Burnside Avenue, a quiet residential street with a speed limit of just 25 mph. Police said the black 2021 Jeep Compass that hit the two teens did not stop and sped away. The first patrol units arrived within two minutes of the 911 call.

The two girls were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, but succumbed to their injuries a few hours later. Investigators continued collecting evidence in the area late into the night, focusing on possible traces or security camera footage.

Suspicions of personal disputes
Relatives and friends of the victims said the two students knew the driver. They also claimed that a restraining order had been filed against him after reports of harassment and pursuit. “She had filed complaints and nothing was done. It’s just a tragedy,” said family friend Tammy Carbajal.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office, which is leading the investigation, has not yet officially confirmed these claims, nor has it announced any charges against the suspect.

Authorities are asking residents to check security footage or dashcam recordings that may have captured the black Jeep Compass with tinted windows before, during, or after the accident. Officials believe the video evidence may shed more light on the circumstances of the crash.

Community in shock
News of the girls’ deaths plunged Cranford, a small, tight-knit community “where everyone knows everyone,” into mourning. That same evening, crowds of relatives, classmates, friends, and even strangers gathered at the site, leaving flowers and candles.

“It’s heartbreaking. Nobody should ever go through this. I’m a mother of five children. We don’t want to bury our kids — they should be burying us,” said an emotional Carbajal.

On Tuesday night, a vigil was held with hundreds of residents attending to show solidarity with the families. “This rarely happens, but when it does, we all come together to show love,” said neighbor Mary Campbell.

Investigation ongoing
Police continue to investigate the crash, as the exact circumstances of the tragedy remain unclear. The Cranford community, devastated, is trying to stand by the grieving families, finding comfort in unity.

As one local resident put it: “It takes faith to move forward. Right now, though, nobody knows how these families will get through this.”