TOMS RIVER, NJ — A traffic accident late Monday night involving a single vehicle and a utility pole led to a series of small brush fires and widespread power outages in Toms River. Deborah J Camiscoli-Spedick, 70, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with DUI following the incident.
The Toms River Police Department reported that the crash occurred shortly after 11:30 PM at the intersection of Church and Silverton Roads. Camiscoli-Spedick, driving west on Church Road, lost control of her vehicle and collided with a utility pole. The impact caused the pole to crack at its base, bringing down power lines. These fallen lines ignited three separate sections of brush along the roadside.
In addition to the fires, the damaged utility pole led to significant power outages in the area, including the failure of multiple traffic signals. Silverton EMS responded to the scene to offer medical assistance to Ms. Camiscoli-Spedick, but she declined treatment. Her vehicle was towed from the site.
Camiscoli-Spedick faces charges for DUI and has been issued traffic citations for reckless and careless driving. Patrolman Kevin McDermott of the Toms River Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the accident.