2 Social Workers in Critical Condition After NJ Hit-and-Run

2 Social Workers in Critical Condition After NJ Hit-and-Run

Two pedestrians, both New Jersey social workers, are in critical condition after a driver hit them and fled the scene, authorities say.

A driver in a white vehicle was heading east on Verona Avenue, near Broadway, in Newark just before 2 a.m. Sunday when the two women were struck, Newark’s Department of Public Safety said. 

The driver fled the scene, the department said. 

According to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr, both women are social workers for the county. News 4 the victims as being Yesi Afflitto and Damaris Lamberty.

“We are saddened to hear that two of our Essex County employees were injured during a senseless hit and run accident over the weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families,” said DiVincenzo.

“We are working with our Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies to find the individuals involved. We encourage anyone who witnessed this accident or has information that may help law enforcement officials locate those involved to contact the police,” DiVincenzo’s statement continued.

It is unclear if the women were working at the time of the hit and run. 

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to call the department’s tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.