HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (VINnews) — An 18-year-old yeshiva student from Lakewood was killed early Sunday in a violent crash in Mercer County after the vehicle he was traveling in collided with a truck, authorities and local reports said.

The crash occurred just after 4 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 130 and Spirit of 76 Boulevard in Hamilton Township, according to officials. Emergency responders arriving at the scene found a heavily damaged vehicle with two occupants trapped inside.

The victim was identified as Eli Shpensky, a well-known member of the Lakewood community. Authorities said he was the passenger in the vehicle and was found unconscious and unresponsive. He required CPR but was later pronounced dead at the scene.

According to initial reports, Shpensky and another young man were returning from what community members described as a “chesed” trip — a volunteer effort to assist others — when their vehicle struck a truck during the early morning hours.

The driver was extricated from the wreckage and transported to a regional trauma center with serious injuries. Community members identified him for prayers as Mordechai Zelig ben Blima. His condition was described as critical.

Officials said the circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has been notified and is assisting in the case.

VINnews spoke to police in Hamilton Township, who said additional information is expected to be released within the next several hours.

Members of the Lakewood community said Shpensky was the son of Moshe and Leah Shpensky, a family known in the area.

Community volunteers have been working with New Jersey authorities following the crash to ensure proper handling of the body in accordance with Jewish law, including efforts to avoid an autopsy.

Funeral arrangements had not yet been finalized as of Sunday, pending the completion of official procedures.