HOWELL – Two people were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Lakewood Farmingdale Road (Route 547) sent a dump truck careening into a home, police said.
According to Howell Township Police, the crash occurred around 9:05 a.m. on August 4, north of Oak Glen Road. A 2015 Dodge minivan operated by DAG Transportation was heading north on Route 547 when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a dump truck carrying over 25 tons of asphalt.
The minivan then struck a 2004 Ford F-350 pickup truck towing a trailer. The impact caused the pickup to become disabled and tore off the front axle of the dump truck, causing the driver to lose control.
The dump truck ran off the road and slammed into the front of a home at 889 Route 547. The residence was unoccupied and not connected to utilities at the time, but it sustained major structural damage, prompting a response from the Howell Township Building Department. Officials said the dump truck began leaking gas, and Monmouth County Hazmat and emergency management crews were dispatched.
Responding fire and EMS units included Ramtown Fire Company, Southard Fire Department, Squankum Fire Company, Howell Fire Bureau, Monmouth County Hazmat, Herbertsville-Brick Fire Department, Howell Police EMS, Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad, Hatzolah, and the Monmouth County Road Department.
Both the dump truck and minivan drivers were hospitalized with injuries. Certified Auto Mall Towing and Recovery removed the vehicles. Authorities also reported a possible water main break in the area, which contributed to an extended road closure.
The crash remains under investigation by Patrolman Anthony Dematteo and Traffic Officer Daniel Scherbinsky. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dematteo at 732-938-4575 ext. 2682 or 732-938-4111.
