šš„ LAKEHURST, NJ: SCHOOL BUS CRASHES INTO HOME, TWO INJURED
A Manchester Township Schools bus crashed into a pickup truck and a home in Lakehurst on Thursday morning. No students were on the bus, and the two drivers were hospitalized with minor injuries after the house sustained significant damage.
A Manchester Township Schools bus crashed into a pickup truck before striking a home in Lakehurst Thursday morning, leaving two people with minor injuries, according to Lakehurst police.
š The crash was reported around 6:22 a.m. near Lilac Street and Union Avenue.
Police Chief Matthew Kline said the preliminary investigation indicates John Murray Jr., 64, of Toms River, was driving a 2018 Thomas Built school bus eastbound on Union Avenue when the bus crossed into the westbound lane while navigating a curve.
The bus struck the rear of a 2022 Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by David Cella, 47, of Manchester, causing the pickup to spin and become disabled in the roadway.
The school bus continued eastbound, left the roadway and crashed into the front of a nearby home.
š« No students were aboard the bus at the time of the crash, according to Lakehurst police and Manchester Township Schools. There was also no one inside the home when the crash occurred.
š The collision caused significant damage to the residence. A red notice indicating the home was unsafe for occupancy was placed on a front window.
š Murray and Cella both suffered minor injuries and were evaluated at a hospital.
Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene.
š§ Union Avenue was closed for approximately 3Ā½ hours while officers secured the scene and conducted their preliminary investigation.
Police said failure to maintain a lane appears to be the primary contributing factor at this stage of the investigation.
š® Lakehurst Officer Gavin Riedinger is handling the investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Lakehurst Police Department.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Lakehurst First Aid Squad, Manchester EMS, Manchester Police Department, Manchester Building Inspector and Priced Rite Towing.
š° Garden State News Network will continue to monitor this investigation and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.