Four-car crash in Manchester leaves one driver hospitalized, police sayInvestigation finds failure to yield caused chain-reaction collision at busy township intersection.
MANCHESTER, N.J. – A four-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Route 571 and Commonwealth Boulevard late Tuesday afternoon left one driver hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and caused major traffic delays, according to the Manchester Township Police Department.
The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a red 2007 Mazda 3, traveling east on County Route 571, struck a black 2020 GMC Acadia that was attempting to make a left turn onto Commonwealth Boulevard. Police said the GMC failed to yield the right-of-way despite the Mazda having a green light at the time of impact.
The force of the collision caused the Mazda to spin within the eastbound lane and hit a westbound black 2026 Honda HR-V, resulting in front-end damage to both vehicles. The impact also pushed the GMC into a black 2023 Kia Telluride stopped on Commonwealth Boulevard, causing minor damage.
One driver transported to hospital after multi-vehicle crash
Police identified the Mazda’s driver as 31-year-old Taylor Ketchell of New Egypt, who reported leg pain but declined medical treatment at the scene. The GMC was operated by 68-year-old Lynn Parkhurst of Manchester, who was uninjured. The Kia was driven by 36-year-old Jackielyn Panganiban of Manchester, who had a four-year-old passenger in the vehicle; neither were hurt. The Honda’s driver, 68-year-old Lori Martinson of Manchester, complained of chest, back, and leg pain and was transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester Emergency Medical Services. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Investigation finds driver failed to yield
Police said preliminary findings indicate that failure to yield while making a left-hand turn was the primary factor in the crash. No summonses or charges had been announced as of Wednesday morning, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester Township Career Fire Department, Manchester Township EMS, Hatzolah, and Priced Rite Towing. Traffic on Route 571 and Commonwealth Boulevard was backed up for more than an hour as officers directed detours and cleared debris.
Patrolmen Anthony DeBlasio and Michael O’Hara of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit are leading the investigation. Police reminded motorists to exercise caution when turning through intersections and to remain alert during heavy afternoon traffic periods.