A three-vehicle crash temporarily shut down a major intersection in Manchester Township on Tuesday afternoon, sending two drivers to area hospitals, police said.
According to the Manchester Township Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:29 p.m. to the intersection of State Highway 70 and County Route 571 following reports of a multi-vehicle collision.
When officers arrived, they found a white 2017 Nissan Titan stopped in the intersection with extensive damage to its rear passenger side. A black 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE with disabling front-end damage was also located within the intersection. A third vehicle, a gray 2023 Kia Sportage, was found in the northbound center lane of County Route 571 just south of the intersection.
Police said the preliminary investigation determined that the Nissan was traveling westbound on State Highway 70 and began making a left turn onto County Route 571 southbound. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz was traveling eastbound on State Highway 70 and struck the Nissan in the intersection as it was turning. Following the collision, a floor jack was ejected from the bed of the Nissan and struck the undercarriage of the Kia.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 25-year-old Cheyanne Nastasi of Beachwood, was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment and evaluation of apparent non-life-threatening injuries. The Mercedes-Benz was driven by 37-year-old Gissela Knoll of Toms River, who was transported by medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment and evaluation of apparent non-life-threatening injuries. Police said Knoll is currently listed in stable condition. The Kia was operated by 36-year-old Felix Carter of Jackson, who reported no injuries.
The intersection was closed for approximately two hours while emergency crews conducted the investigation and cleared the roadway.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester, Ridgeway, and Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Departments, Manchester Township Career Fire, Manchester Emergency Medical Services, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and Priced Rite Towing.
The crash remains under investigation. Police said failure to yield the right of way at an intersection appears to be the primary contributing factor at this stage. The investigation is being conducted by Patrolman Michael O’Hara and Patrolman Jesse Hoydis of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.