A tragic accident on Hammonton Smartville Rd has claimed the lives of an unborn infant and left two others with major injuries.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at approximately 4:48 am on February 23, 2021, Anthony Smith, 44, was driving his 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe Eastbound on Hammonton Smartville road, traveling at 45 mph, when he allowed his vehicle to cross over into the westbound lanes. The driver of the second vehicle, Robbi Megazzi, 31, was traveling westbound on Hammonton Smartville rd when Smiths Tahoe struck the front of her 2005 Toyota 4Runner.

Both vehicles sustained heavy damage in the head-on collision. The Tahoe came to rest facing north, blocking both lanes on Hammonton-Smartsville.  The drivers of the vehicles sustained major injuries and were transported to Rideout Medical Center for Treatment. Smith sustained a fracture to his right leg. Megazzi, who was pregnant, was transported to the hospital with suspected chest/internal bleeding. Her unborn child sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

The collision is under investigation. Smith was arrested but released for treatment of his injuries. According to the CHP, drugs are suspected to be a factor in this case.