BERKELEY — A three-vehicle collision on Route 9 near Bay Boulevard left several people with minor to moderate injuries and caused significant traffic delays on December 5, police said.
Officers were called to the scene around 4:52 p.m. and found all three vehicles disabled in the middle of the roadway. According to investigators, a 2008 Ford Focus had stopped in the southbound lane while waiting to turn left onto Bay Boulevard. A 2013 Nissan Altima, driven by George Woerner IV, was traveling behind the Ford when it struck the rear of the vehicle. The impact pushed the Ford into the northbound lane, where it collided with a utility trailer being towed by a 2021 Nissan Titan.
Police said driver inattention and following too closely led to the crash. Woerner was cited for careless driving and following too closely and was given a future court date.
Berkeley Township EMS, Bayville EMS, and South Toms River EMS transported the injured occupants to Community Medical Center. Bayville Fire Department assisted with traffic control and clearing debris.
While first responders were handling the crash, a separate minor rear-end collision occurred near Route 9 and Sloop Creek Road. No injuries were reported in that incident.
The crashes caused backups in both directions, and police briefly detoured traffic for about 30 minutes until the roadway was cleared. Jersey Shore Towing and Midland Towing removed the involved vehicles.
