TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A juvenile driver is facing charges after a high-speed crash Friday night resulted in the deaths of two people and left two others critically injured, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Authorities said the incident occurred just before 11 p.m. at the intersection of Route 166 and Route 37 when a BMW, driven by the suspect, collided with a Toyota Camry.
The driver and front-seat passenger of the Camry were pronounced dead at the scene, while two passengers in the back seat suffered serious injuries.
The suspect was unharmed in the crash.
Two passengers in the BMW received medical treatment and were later released—one from Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune and the other from Community Medical Center.
Police first observed the BMW speeding eastbound on the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge around 10:45 p.m. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled at speeds significantly over the limit. Law enforcement ended the pursuit due to safety concerns before the crash took place.
The two injured Camry passengers remained in critical condition at Jersey Shore University Hospital on Saturday. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.