Statement Issued by Toms River Police Department
TOMS RIVER, NJ-On Thursday, January 24, 2019, at approximately 4:50 PM multiple police units responded to Whitesville Rd near Cleveland St for a serious 3 vehicle collision. Richard Solari, 67 Bayville, was driving southbound in a 2017 Ram pickup when he crossed over into the northbound lane and struck the driver’s side of a 2014 Hyundai Elantra driven by Irene Firestone, 67 of Jackson. Mr. Solari then struck a 2016 Ford van driven by Yisroel Eizikovitz, 26 of Lakewood. Ms. Firestone was trapped in her car and had to be extricated by the Pleasant Plains Fire Department. She was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center and is listed in critical condition. Mr. Solari was also rescued from his overturned truck with minor injuries and transported to Community Medical Center. Mr. Eizikovitz was not injured.
Toms River Police Traffic Safety Officers Terry Warren, Adam Koeppen, and PJ Gambardella are investigating the crash. Preliminary investigation reveals no apparent impairment however a blood sample taken from Mr. Solari. An investigation is ongoing as to the cause of the accident, no charges have been made at this time.
