Driver Who Wasn't Wearing Seat Belt Seriously Hurt, Police Say

A driver who wasn't wearing his seatbelt was seriously injured after crashing into a tree in Whiting in a one-car accident Thursday evening, Manchester Township Police said.

Edward Romaine, 63, of Whiting, had to be flown to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune after suffering a head injury when his Honda Civic flipped in the crash, police said.

Romaine was heading west on the road when he crossed over and hit a tree on the eastbound shoulder of the road, police said, which cause the Civic to flip and end up coming to rest on the passenger's side.

Emergency workers had to cut the roof from the Civic to free Romaine, and Route 530 was closed into Berkeley for about two hours during the investigation.

MONOC paramedics flew Romaine to the hospital following the crash; his status there wasn't immediately available.

Police stressed the importance of wearing a seat belt in the car, whether as a driver or passenger, given the injuries Romaine suffered.

Assisting at the scene were Members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, MONOC Paramedics, MONOC 1 air transport, and Quality Medical Ambulance Service.

The accident is under investigation by Patrolman Antonio Ellis of the Manchester Traffic Safety Section.