MARLBORO: A truck driver is fighting for his life at Jersey Shore Medical Center after a serious crash that closed Route 18. Eyewitnesses state a school bus driver from Jay’s Bus Service cut the truck driver off, and they collided. Marlboro Police are stating the truck driver struck the bus.

Police released the following statement:

“On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at approximately 3:03 p.m., the Marlboro Township Police Department received multiple 911 phone calls in reference to a motor vehicle crash that occurred on State Highway 18 South.

A school bus, occupied only by the driver, was traveling Route 18 Southbound. The school bus was struck by a tractor trailer. As a result of the crash the tanker overturned and spilled fuel onto the highway.

The driver of the tractor trailer was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center.

Both lanes of Route 18 Northbound and Southbound were shut down for several hours while police investigated the crash. The cause of the crash is still unknown at this time.

Responding to the scene of the crash were members of the Marlboro Township Police Department, Marlboro Township O.E.M., Marlboro First Aid Squad, Marlboro Fire Department, Robertsville Fire Department, Old Bridge Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Monmouth County HazMat, paramedics from Atlantic Health and the Department of Transportation.

Ptlm. Christopher VanCuren of the Marlboro Township Police Department Traffic and Safety Unit is investigating the crash. If anyone witnessed the crash or have questions about the crash, Ptlm. VanCuren can be reached at (732) 536-0100 ext. 1144 or cvancuren@marlboropd.org.”

I’d also like to remind everyone that tanker trucks do not stop quickly. The liquid they’re carrying creates a swish, and wave motion that can cause a driver to lose control. Never cut off a tanker truck.