A single-vehicle crash on Monday night resulted in a damaged utility pole and road closures along Route 530 in the Whiting section of Manchester Township.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:42 PM on January 6, 2025, prompting officers from the Manchester Township Police Department to respond to the area between Cherry Street and Locust Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a grey 2025 Kia K5 with significant front-end damage resting against a utility pole on the eastbound shoulder of Route 530.
According to the investigation, the vehicle had been traveling eastbound when the driver, 19-year-old Julia Drennan of Forked River, encountered a patch of frozen roadway while navigating a curve. The car lost traction, veered off the road, and collided with the pole.
Drennan sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention at the scene.
As a result of the crash, Route 530 was closed for several hours while crews from Jersey Central Power and Light worked to repair the damaged pole. A detour was established to redirect traffic during the repairs.
Authorities continue to remind drivers to exercise caution during winter conditions, as icy roadways can develop unexpectedly, especially in the evening hours.
