FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced an ongoing investigation into a tragic three-vehicle collision that resulted in the death of a 3-year-old girl. The accident occurred on New Jersey State Route 34 in Howell Township on Saturday, January 13, just before 4:45 PM.
The collision involved a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by an adult female, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with an adult female driver and three passengers, including two children, and a 2021 Ford Bronco, also driven by an adult female. The drivers of the Dodge Ram and Ford Bronco sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee incurred serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Tragically, a 3-year-old girl in the Cherokee was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 2-year-old boy also in the Cherokee sustained minor injuries and received hospital care.
Route 34 was closed in both directions for the investigation, conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), and the Howell Township Police Department. The highway reopened around 10:15 PM.
Authorities are seeking information from the public. Contacts for information are MCPO Agent Reginald Grant at 800-533-7443 or Howell Township Police Officer Daniel Scherbinski at 732-938-4575, Ext. 2663.