The Lakehurst and Manchester Police Departments responded to a motor vehicle accident at the border of both jurisdictions near the intersection of Route 70 and Tobias Avenue on Sunday morning.
One of the drivers of the vehicles involved, Vincent Malaquias, 58, of Toms River, was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center due to his injuries and is currently listed in critical condition. The driver of the other vehicle, Jasmin Cruzbarrera, 34, of Toms River, was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for suspected minor injuries.
An initial on scene investigation determined that Malaquias was operating a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander when he suffered a suspected medical episode and struck a guardrail. Malaquias continued east on Route 70 after striking the guardrail and then entered the westbound lane of travel and struck a 2017 Toyota Corolla operated by Cruzbarrera.
Both vehicles were then disabled in the roadway blocking traffic. Route 70 was closed for approximately two hours in both directions between the Lakehurst Circle and Colonial Drive.