TOMS RIVER, NJ – A five-vehicle collision occurred on Route 9 near 1380 Route 9, Toms River, on Thursday morning, disrupting traffic and resulting in one injury. Toms River Police Department officials reported the incident occurred at 7:00 a.m.
The collision initiated when a southbound vehicle, impaired by the headlights of an oncoming car, veered off the road and collided with a utility pole. The impact caused the pole to fall, obstructing the roadway. Following this, two additional vehicles traveling in opposite directions were unable to evade the fallen pole and debris, leading to further collisions.
A third southbound vehicle managed to halt before impacting the pole or other vehicles but was rear-ended by a fourth vehicle. A passenger from this vehicle was transported to Community Medical Center, citing head pain.
The crash caused significant damage to all involved vehicles, necessitating the towing of two. The driver responsible for the initial collision received citations.
Route 9 was closed for approximately one hour between Route 571 and Whitty Road to facilitate emergency response and initial clean-up. While the road has since reopened, ongoing shoulder work continues as part of the recovery efforts.