LAKEHURST – Two people were rescued from an overturned SUV after a two-vehicle crash at Route 70 and Center Street on Saturday evening, police said, despite inaccurate social media reports suggesting someone may have died.
Lakehurst Police Chief Matthew J. Kline told Jersey Shore Online that officers were called to the intersection at about 5:31 p.m. July 11.
Investigators said Beverly Koerner, 84, of Toms River, was driving a 2021 Subaru Outback south on Center Street when she entered the intersection against a red traffic signal. The Subaru collided with a 2024 Chevrolet Trax driven east on Route 70 by Samantha Elliott, 32, of Elsmere, Delaware, police said.
The impact caused the Subaru to overturn and come to rest in roadway on Center Street by Rt 70 near McDonald’s. Koerner and a passenger became trapped inside and were safely removed by firefighters.
No serious injuries were reported. Koerner was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for evaluation. Elliott was not seriously injured.
Police issued Koerner a summons for failing to obey a traffic control device. The Lakehurst Police Department investigated the crash.
About an hour after the collision, the Facebook page Jersey Coast Emergency News posted that a victim was unconscious and that there was a possible fatality. Police said no one died, and there were no reports of anyone being unconscious.
A person who identified himself as one of the first people to reach the overturned vehicle told Jersey Shore Online that both women were conscious, able to speak and appeared to have only minor cuts.
In a statement to Jersey Shore Online, police chief Kline said “we are aware of comments circulating on social media regarding this incident. We encourage the public to refrain from relying on unverified information or speculation, as it can spread misinformation and interfere with an active investigation. We remain committed to providing accurate and timely information as facts are confirmed.”
The Jersey Coast Emergency News page has previously faced criticism over disputed reports involving a Wildwood police horse, Brick Little League, a Central Regional High School teacher, a reported submarine sighting and an alleged supermarket explosion. The allegations involving the teacher have not been established as fact and the page is mentioned in a lawsuit.
The incident underscores the importance of waiting for confirmation from police, emergency responders or other verified sources before sharing claims about serious injuries or deaths.
