Manchester Township, NJ — A garbage truck traveling at what police described as an unsafe speed overturned Thursday morning while turning into the Ocean County Landfill, crashing into a pickup truck stopped at a traffic light on Route 70 and injuring two people.
The crash happened around 11:05 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of State Highway 70 and Green Acres Road, according to the Manchester Township Police Department. Officers arriving at the scene found a grey 2004 Mack garbage truck overturned on its driver’s side against a Ford F-150 that had been waiting at the landfill exit traffic signal.
Investigators said the garbage truck lost control while attempting to turn into the landfill entrance at 2498 State Highway 70 after braking at a high speed.
Police Say Unsafe Speed Led to Overturned Truck
According to the preliminary investigation, 28-year-old Marquis Dove of Plainsboro was driving eastbound on Route 70 when he attempted to enter the Ocean County Landfill.
Manchester Township Police said Dove applied the brakes while turning into the entrance, but the truck’s speed caused the vehicle to overturn during the maneuver. The truck then slid into the Ford F-150 stopped nearby at the traffic light.
Dove suffered non-life-threatening injuries but declined medical transport from the scene, police said.
His passenger, identified as 58-year-old Harrie Garris of Toms River, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
The Ford F-150 was driven by 30-year-old Bryan Bollhardt of Forked River. Police said Bollhardt also suffered non-life-threatening injuries but did not request hospitalization.
A passenger in the pickup, 65-year-old Richard Bollhardt of Forked River, was not injured.
Key Points
• A garbage truck overturned while turning into the Ocean County Landfill on Route 70
• Police said unsafe speed appears to be the primary cause of the crash
• Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the collision
Crash Shut Down Part of Route 70 During Cleanup
The overturned truck and damaged pickup caused partial road closures while emergency crews investigated and cleared the scene.
Emergency Medical Technicians and firefighters from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services responded alongside Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, Hatzolah, Taylor’s Towing, and Priced Rite Towing.
Photos from the scene showed the Mack garbage truck resting on its side across part of the roadway after colliding with the pickup near the landfill entrance.
Traffic safety investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including vehicle speed and roadway conditions at the time of the collision.
Investigation Remains Active
Manchester Township Police said the investigation remains ongoing, though unsafe speed currently appears to be the primary contributing factor in the crash.
The case is being investigated by Patrolman Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
Authorities have not announced whether any summonses or charges will be issued as investigators continue reviewing the incident.