Authorities in Gloucester County, New Jersey, confirmed that a retired high school coach and his wife died on Saturday evening after an SUV slammed into a neighboring house and sparked a large fire in a quiet Mullica Hill neighborhood.
The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. on January 17, 2026, along Banff Drive in the Harrison Township area. Investigators reported that the SUV, a Hyundai Palisade, was traveling north before suddenly accelerating for reasons that remain under investigation. The vehicle struck a curb, crossed two lawns and collided with the front section of a nearby residence with enough force to breach the living room.
The violent impact triggered a fire that quickly consumed both the SUV and much of the property, drawing multiple fire and emergency agencies to the scene. Despite rapid response, the flames caused significant structural damage, rendering the home uninhabitable. The family occupying the residence managed to escape unharmed after being evacuated from their kitchen, where they had been eating dinner at the time of the crash.
The driver was identified as 72-year-old Thomas Hengel, a longtime educator and coach at Clearview Regional High School. His wife, 61-year-old Lisa Hengel, was also inside the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted that the couple lived directly next door to the home struck during the crash.
Preliminary findings from local police suggest no criminal involvement. Investigators are focusing on what caused the sudden acceleration and whether a medical issue, mechanical malfunction, or other factor contributed to the fatal event.
The news has left the community mourning the loss of a respected figure in local athletics. During his career, Hengel coached cross country, track, basketball, and baseball, earning multiple accolades, including entry into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and statewide recognition in 2022 for his work in girls cross-country.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains ongoing as specialists review evidence and vehicle data to determine the cause of the tragedy.
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