JACKSON – A 16-year-old boy was killed and two others were injured in a head-on crash that set one vehicle ablaze on East Veterans Highway, authorities said.
Police Chief Matthew Kunz told Jersey Shore Online that the pickup was traveling east when it crossed the center line and collided with the teen’s westbound vehicle on October 8.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the collision occurred around 5:55 p.m. when an eastbound 2019 Ford F-150 driven by an 18-year-old woman crossed the center line near Westlake Court and struck a westbound 2009 Nissan Altima driven by the teen.
The impact caused the Nissan to catch fire, Chief Kunz said. Witnesses pulled the boy from the burning car and began CPR until police and firefighters arrived.
First responders continued resuscitation efforts before the victim was taken by Jackson EMS to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the pickup and her passenger were also taken to the same hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
The teen’s name has not been released.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Squad and Jackson Township Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Jackson Police Officer Tristan Bennett at 732-928-1111 or email tbennett@jacksontwpnj.net.
The Jackson School District released a statement today in response to the tragedy. “This is a terrible loss for our school community and our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and our staff as we navigate this together,” said Superintendent Nicole Pormilli. “The sudden loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and difficult to process, especially for students. We encourage anyone who needs support to please reach out. We have a team of caring and well-trained counselors to assist and to guide families in supporting their children through this.”
