BERKELEY – A serious accident during the evening rush involving three vehicles sent a traffic signal crashing down on a car injuring two people and causing massive traffic delays.
Berkeley Township Police confirm the accident happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. on June 11 on Route 37 at Catalina Avenue on Pelican Island.
According to authorities, David Johnson of Woodbridge was driving a white Nissan Sentra when he ran the red traffic signal going eastbound on Route 37.
Johnson struck a Mercedes driven by a 54-year-old female from Staten Island, New York, who was crossing the intersection with a green traffic signal.
The Mercedes then spun into the traffic signal causing it to crash down and fall on her vehicle.
Johnson’s Nissan proceeded to strike an Acura driven by a 24-year-old Baltimore, Maryland man before coming to rest at the curb.
Johnson and the female in the Mercedes were both taken to an area hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Police said Route 37 is closed/detoured on Pelican Island heading westbound and is restricted to one lane heading eastbound for the duration of the repairs.
Charges are pending although police didn’t elaborate on what they would be.
Traffic was snarled for miles on Route 37 as a result of the accident.
Traffic Safety Officer Brian Flanegan is handling the investigation which is ongoing.
Anyone with information can call the Traffic Safety Bureau at 732-341-1132 extension 2125.
Assisting in traffic control and emergency response were the Seaside Park Police, Seaside Heights Police, NJ State Police, Toms River Police,Tri-Boro First Aid , Silverton EMS , NJ DOT, RWJ paramedics and the Seaside Park Fire Department.
