Driver killed, daughter hurt in N.J. Turnpike crash

Posted: July 22, 2011

A Colombian national was killed and his 11-year-old daughter seriously injured when their vehicle overturned on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mount Laurel on Thursday, authorities said.

Ivan Olano Henao was traveling southbound in the right lane about 5:40 p.m. when his rented Jeep Cherokee veered left across the highway and struck the barrier dividing the north and southbound lanes before flipping over, said State Police Sgt. Julian Castellanos.

Olano Henao died at Kennedy University Hospital-Cherry Hill around 6:43 p.m., authorities said. His daughter, Sofia Olano Rueda, who was in the backseat with two younger sisters, was flown to Cooper University Hospital in Camden with serious injuries, Castellanos said.

Olano Henao's 42-year-old wife, who was in the passenger seat, was treated for minor injuries at the scene along her 7- and 3-year-old daughters. The family from Bogota, Colombia was wearing seat belts, authorities said.

The accident backed up traffic and caused lane closures for up to two hours.

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