On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at approximately 1246 am, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Commonwealth Boulevard and Northampton Boulevard, to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving a motorized bicycle.
Upon arrival, officers observed a black 2020 Ford Explorer, fully involved with flames with no occupants in the vehicle. The Ford was observed to be facing west in the westbound lane of Commonwealth Boulevard. Additionally, officers observed a damaged motorized bike underneath the rear portion of the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the operator of the motorized bike disregarded the traffic signal at the intersection of Commonwealth Boulevard and Northampton Boulevard resulting in the crash. After initial impact with the Ford, the operator of the motorized bike was ejected from the bike and continued west on the roadway for approximately 75 feet before coming to final rest.
The motorized bike was operated by 18-year-old William Roberts of Manchester, NJ who was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital via ambulance for treatment and evaluation of his injuries. Mr. Roberts is currently listed in stable condition.
The Ford Explorer was operated by a 26-year-old resident of Manchester, who was uninjured as a result of the crash. The roadway was partially closed during the investigation and cleanup.
Assisting at the scene were Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hatzolah Emergency Medical Services and Accurate Towing. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point it is believed that disregard of a traffic signal appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.