Driver electrocuted in storm in New Jersey

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY) - In a tragic accident in Monday's storm, a New Jersey family watched another driver be electrocuted.

It happened in the small Union County town of Fanwood.  The victim was driving home about 4:30 p.m.

The area was hit by heavy rain and strong winds.  A tree came down and knocked a power line onto her car.  The victim got out of the car and was hit by one of the live wires.  She was killed instantly.

A woman and her 14-year-old driver who were in the car behind her witnessed the incident.  They immediately called 911 but had to sit in their car and see the victim.

They came back later with flowers and a candle to honor the victim.  Her name had not been released.

Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo says that it is best to stay inside the car when there are potentially live wires but he understood why the victim tried to get out in the panic of the moment.