MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – An 89-year-old woman was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center Friday evening following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of County Route 530 and School House Road that left both cars heavily damaged.
Police said the crash occurred around 5:33 p.m. when a tan 2011 Nissan Altima, traveling east on CR 530, attempted to make a left turn and crossed into the path of a gray 2007 Ford Mustang heading west through the intersection. The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles, deploying their airbags and scattering debris across the roadway.
The Nissan’s driver, identified as Gloria Smith of Whiting, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by medical helicopter for treatment and evaluation. The Mustang’s driver, 18-year-old Amanet Canto of Cream Ridge, was not injured in the collision.
Emergency crews from the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Township EMS, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and Life Flight Medevac assisted at the scene. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Priced Rite Towing also responded.
The roadway remained partially closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.
According to investigators, failure to yield the right of way at the intersection appears to be a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation by Patrolmen Jesse Hoydis and Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
Police said failure to yield likely caused the Manchester Township crash that left an elderly driver seriously injured.