A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday morning when a young child was killed and a 66-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by an older Chrysler SUV in a parking lot in Upper Freehold, New Jersey State Police reported. The collision occurred shortly after 11 a.m. at Screamin’ Hill Brewery and Bullock Farms, situated along Emleys Hill Road in the Cream Ridge section of the township.
According to initial state police findings, the SUV was backing out of a parking space when it collided with the two pedestrians. Upper Freehold Township Mayor San Moslowski Jr. identified the young victim as a 2-year-old boy. The 66-year-old woman, a resident of Roselle Park identified by police as Ellen Gabriel, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The child suffered fatal injuries from the impact.
Brewery Shuts Down as Investigation Begins
Following the accident, Screamin’ Hill Brewery announced it would close through Sunday due to the emergency in its parking lot. The business occupies the 175-acre Bullock Farms, a family-operated property since 1860 known as New Jersey’s first farm brewery. The destination regularly draws heavy crowds during the autumn harvest season for pick-your-own pumpkin patches and fall events.
New Jersey State Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver operating the Chrysler SUV, and the exact sequence of events leading up to the backing crash remains under review.
Parking Lot Safety and Wider Context
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding pedestrian visibility and vehicle blind zones in busy commercial parking areas. Amber Rollins, director of the advocacy group Kids and Car Safety, emphasized the inherent risks associated with high-traffic rural lots during peak seasonal hours, recommending that caregivers carry toddlers or use strollers in crowded public spaces.
Local leaders expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that nothing of this nature had previously occurred in the rural community. Township officials have made grief counseling resources available to first responders, employees, and families affected by Saturday’s tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the backing crash occur?
The crash happened in the parking lot of Screamin’ Hill Brewery and Bullock Farms, located at 83 Emleys Hill Road in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey.
Who was involved in the incident?
A 2-year-old boy was fatally injured, and 66-year-old Ellen Gabriel of Roselle Park sustained serious injuries after being struck by an older model Chrysler SUV.
What vehicle was involved?
State police confirmed that an older model Chrysler SUV was backing out of a parking space when it struck the two pedestrians.
Is an investigation underway?
Yes, New Jersey State Police are actively investigating the collision.
How did the business respond?
Screamin’ Hill Brewery immediately closed its operations through the remainder of the weekend following the emergency in its parking lot.
