A young driver was pulled from an overturned SUV deep in the woods after a violent crash off a Monmouth County highway ramp, but later died at the hospital.
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 23-year-old Kearny man was killed early Wednesday after his SUV left a highway ramp, slammed into multiple objects and overturned into a wooded area in Wall Township, police said.
The crash happened at approximately 1:47 a.m. on the ramp connecting State Highway 138 East to State Highway 35 North.
Wall Township police said multiple 911 callers reported a severe crash, prompting officers, firefighters and EMS crews to respond to the scene.
When first responders arrived, they found a black 2019 Chevrolet Trax overturned deep within the wood line along an embankment.
A preliminary investigation determined the SUV was traveling eastbound on State Highway 138 toward State Highway 35 when it ran off the roadway to the right.
Police said the vehicle then struck a guardrail, roadway signage and a light pole before overturning into the wooded area.
Emergency crews extricated the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The man was unresponsive but breathing when he was found.
He was treated at the scene and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Despite emergency medical treatment and efforts by hospital staff, the driver later died from his injuries.
Authorities have notified the victim’s family but are withholding his identity at this time out of respect for their privacy.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wall Township Police Department.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Patrolman Jared Conte at 732-449-4500, ext. 1220.
Key Points
- A 23-year-old Kearny man died after his SUV overturned into a wooded area in Wall Township.
- The crash occurred on the ramp connecting Route 138 East to Route 35 North.
- Police said the vehicle struck a guardrail, signs and a light pole before flipping into the woods.