MANCHESTER – Police are investigating a crash that occurred on Jan. 3 at the intersection of Route 37 and Colonial Drive, where an ambulance collided with and SUV.
The ambulance, driven by 20-year-old Chase Swartz of Seaside Park, was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of Colonial Drive with its lights on when it struck the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, driven by 77-year-old Lorraine Flatley of Whiting. The ambulance was in the process of transporting a patient to Community Medical Center in Toms River when it passed through a red light at the intersection, leading to the collision in the westbound lanes of Route 37.
Swartz, his 52-year old passenger Caroline Bruckel of Manchester and the 57-year old patient in the ambulance were not injured during the crash. Flatley and her passenger, 82-year old Annette Black of Whiting sustained some minor injuries but refused medical treatment.
The vehicles sustained heavy front end and side damage during the collision.
The accident is still under investigation by Patrolman Michael O’Hara and Ptl. Ian Bole of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit. Motor vehicle charges are pending.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the department’s Traffic Safety Unit at 732-657-2009 ext. 4401.
