A horrific tragedy unfolded early Friday morning in Lakewood, when a vehicle carrying five bochurim crashed and erupted into flames on Hope Chapel between Clearstream and New Central, tragically resulting in the petirah of two of the occupants. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, was traveling along Hope Chapel Road when it struck a deer, causing the driver to lose control. The minivan veered off the roadway and crashed, bursting into flames. A passerby who came upon the harrowing scene reportedly saw the vehicle engulfed in flames and immediately called 911. Emergency services were dispatched, with Hatzolah being called in for backup. Two of the bochurim were tragically niftar at the scene. The three others sustained various injuries, including two who remain in critical condition and one who is reportedly in stable condition. Out of respect for the families, the names of the victims are not being released at this time, pending official notification. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash, and further information will be released as it becomes available. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)