Two Ocean County residents hospitalized after single-car crash in Manchester, NJ

Two Ocean County residents have been hospitalized following a serious single-car crash on Route 571 near Kingsridge Road in Manchester Township early Friday morning.

It was around 4:40 am that Manchester Police responded to the scene and saw that a vehicle had struck a utility pole.

The Acura TSX sustained significant damage in the crash.

Through their preliminary investigation, Manchester Police learned that 19-year old Jamier Mcleod of South Toms River was driving west along Route 571 when he suddenly lost control of the wheel.

It led to the vehicle veering off the highway and into the woods where Mcleod struck the utility pole.

As a result of the crash, Mcleod was brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City for treatment of possible internal injuries while his passenger, 19-year old Ivanalai Garci of Berkeley Township was brought to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of her injuries which included an apparent head injury.

The investigation by Manchester Police also found out that Mleaod was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident on roads that were wet due to the rain and while under foggy skies.

Manchester Police said that they were joined at the scene by the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department and Manchester Vol. Fire Department, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson, Manchester Emergency Medical Services and JCP&L who was there to repair the utility pole.

The crash remains under investigation by Sergeant Paul Bachovchin of the Manchester Township Police Department Traffic Safety section.