For drivers heading northbound on Route 9 Friday afternoon their trip took significantly longer than usual after an accident closed off part of the roadway for close to five hours.

The accident occurred at around 2 p.m. near Sunnyside Rd. when a 2007 Dodge Charger driven by 21-year-old Jenna Nachmani of Toms River and a 1998 Jeep Cherokee driven by Robert Dixon of the Bronx collided. After impact Dixon's jeep went out of control and travelled off the road before hitting a tree according to Ptl. Scott Brooks of the Howell Police Department.

One of the passengers in Dixon's car, 20-year-old Emily Coffee of Manhattan was trapped in the backseat and unconscious according to Brooks. With help from the Freewood Acres Fire Department and the Howell First Aid Squad she was removed from the car and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by the NorthStar State Police Medivac Helicopter for treatment of a head injury. 

Dixon as well as his front seat passenger Erin Jeffries, 20, also of Manhattan were removed from the car and taken to the hospital for what Brooks described as minor injuries. Nachmani was also treated at Jersey Shore for minor injuries.

As a result of the crash Route 9 North was closed from Georgia Tavern Rd. to Sunnyside Rd. until 7 p.m. with help from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Traffic Diversion team. 

The accident is being investigated by the Howell Police Department, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Serious Crash Analysis Response Team. As of Saturday morning no charges had been filed in regards to the crash. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Ptl. Brooks at 732-938-4111.