MANCHESTER: On Friday, January 26, 2024, at approximately 7:20 pm, members of the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Route 571 and Commonwealth Boulevard for a five-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed a red Ford Mustang, and silver Mercedes-Benz CLK in the roadway with extensive front-end damage. Additionally, officers observed a black Kia Sportage on the property of 1991 Ridgeway Rd with extensive front-end damage. Two further vehicles, to include a red Dodge Ram, and a silver Toyota Highlander were also located on the property with moderate damage.

The investigation revealed that the Ford was struck by the Kia and Mercedes-Benz while attempting a left turn from RT-571 on to Commonwealth Blvd. This initial impact resulted in the Kia travelling onto 1991 Ridgeway Road, where it impacted the Dodge and Toyota, which were parked and unoccupied in the driveway.

The driver of the Ford was identified as, 24-year-old Sean Scott of Manchester, NJ. Mr. Scott reported no injuries on scene. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz was identified as 56-year-old Thomas White of Manahawkin, NJ. Mr. White reported minor injury and denied medical attention on scene. The driver of the KIA was identified as,45-year-old Yaphet Acevedo-Nunez of Toms River, NJ. Mr. Acevedo-Nunez was transported to Ocean Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. All involved drivers appear to have been wearing their seatbelts.

Traffic was diverted in the area while officers completed preliminary investigation efforts. Assisting at the scene were Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and Accurate Towing. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, an improper turn appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Keith Douglas of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.