Crime & Safety

Update: Van Collided with Utility Pole, Closing Route 9 in Both Directions

Stop and go traffic reported at Clayton to Cox Cro

Route 9 in Pleasants Plains to North Dover was at a standstill this afternoon after a van collided with a utility pole, shutting the highway in both directions.

Toms River Police responded to an accident at 2:30 p.m. Friday involving two vehicles and a utility pole, said Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

 Amhed Amer 22, of James Street, was stopped and waiting to make a left turn  from Route 9 northbound when his 1993 Honda Accord was struck from behind by  a 2003 Chevy Van, operated by Jason Earley 37 of Somerset Drive, the chief said.

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"The van then continued into a utility pole causing Route 9 to be closed in both directions from Silverton Road to Steven Road while utility companies made repairs," Mastronardy said in an email.

Toms River Police and New Jersey Department of Transportation Emergency Response team detoured  traffic in the area through 4 p.m.

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There were no injuries in the accident, being investigated by Traffic Safety Officer Steven Schwartz.

However,there were two minor accidents that occurred: one on Silverton Road and one on Church Road as a result of the stop and go heavy traffic and the detours, Mastronardy said.

A power surge due to the accident was reported at Ozane, a Route 9 business near the crash site.  Power was lost to the building and caused an electrical problem and smoke condition, said the chief.

Detours were suggested between Church Road and Stevens Road. Multiple reports of stop and go traffic near Clayton Avenue and Cox Cro Road on Route 9 northbound were reported.

At that portion of Route 9, traffic is one lane in each direction of the state highway. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 6 p.m. with police information.


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