OCEAN COUNTY – A serious two vehicle crash in Little Egg Harbor sends three people to the hospital, two of them are students at Pinelands Regional High School.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed that the January 30 accident took place around 9:45 p.m. in the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court.
Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the scene. A joint investigation between the police department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit revealed that 26-year-old Michael Pillarella of Manahawkin was driving his Hyundai Elantra on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway.
As a result, his car crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road. That car was being driven by a teen with another teen in the front passenger seat.
Both teens sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where they remain in critical condition.
Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash.
Prosecutor Billhimer told the media that a search warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood, and laboratory results remain pending.
Pillarella was treated and released from the hospital, and has been issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane.
“This matter remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined assistance in connection with this investigation.
Pinelands Regional High School Principal Troy Henderson issued a note to parents on social media which stated “we are aware of the serious vehicle accident that involved two of our high school students last night. Please know our entire counseling staff will be available tomorrow. Do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both of these students.”
