STAFFORD – A multi-vehicle crash on Route 72 in Manahawkin left one person dead and several injured. Authorities believe it all started when one vehicle ran a red light.
Stafford Township Police said the crash happened at 9:50 a.m on Friday, July 27 on Route 72 at Marsha Drive.
73-year-old Barbara Angeline was traveling west in her Ford Focus towards the intersection when she allegedly ran the traffic signal and struck a Jeep driven by 22-year-old Richard Labarbiera, Jr. of Paramus.
Angeline’s vehicle then slammed into a Chrysler van driven by 61-year-old Susan Destefanis of Manahawkin who was also traveling north on Marsha Drive crossing Route 72.
Angeline’s vehicle then hit two more vehicles that were waiting at the traffic signal before her car stopped.
Angeline sustained severe injury and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment via medical chopper.
Angeline’s passenger, 91-year-old Johannah Griffin of Ship Bottom died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
Destefanis was transported by PennStar medivac to Atlantic City Trauma Center.
Other driver’s involved sustained minor injuries and were treated at Southern Ocean Medical Center.
The road was closed for several hours during the investigation.
Witnesses are urged to contact police at 609-597-1189 extension 8436.
