One-Car Accident Results in Snapped Electrical Pole, Entrapment of Driver

A one-vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 530 and Schoolhouse Road in Manchester this morning resulted in a fractured electrical utility pole, and the entrapment of the driver and his pet passenger, local police said.

"At 7:13 a.m. this morning, a car was traveling southbound on Schoolhouse Road when the driver, identified as Edward P. Beck Jr., 62, of Auburn Street in Whiting, failed to negotiate a bend in the road and drove off of the roadway," said Captain Lisa Parker of the Manchester Township Police Department.

"This caused his 1997 Toyota Camry to impact, and snap the JCP&L utility pole. The vehicle then impacted a pine tree and overturned onto the passenger side of the vehicle, trapping the driver and his dog inside the car," the captain added.

Parked noted that when Manchester police officers arrived on scene, they ensured that the electrical wires were not an immediate threat, and then attempted to gain access to Beck in the hopes of applying first aid, however they were not able to remove him from the car.

"The Whiting Volunteer Fire Company was called to extricate the driver from the vehicle. Once he was freed from the wreck, Beck was immediately transported by Quality Medical Transport and MONOC Paramedics to Robert J. Miller Airpark for med-evac by MONOC 1. Beck was flown to Jersey Shore Trauma Center and was listed as critical at this time," said Parker.

Beck's dog did not appear to be seriously injured in the accident, and was taken by Manchester Township Animal Control to the Ocean County Animal Shelter, for later return to a family member.

"There is still a partial road closure at the scene of the accident on Schoolhouse Road, between Columbus Blvd and Conestoga Drive. At this time, there is an alternating single lane of traffic open which is currently causing some traffic delays," Parker added.

The captain explained that JCP&L is on scene replacing the damaged pole, but the road is expected to remain with only an alternating traffic pattern for approximately four more hours. Ptl. Thomas O’Hare from the Traffic Safety Unit is investigating this crash.

"Manchester Township has experienced an increase in serious traffic accidents over the past few months. We encourage all drivers to give their full attention to the roadway, and refrain from using any electronic devices while driving.  This includes using any handheld cell phones and texting while driving," emphasized Parker.

"Traffic enforcement plays an important role and has shown to have a positive correlation with regards to decreasing traffic accidents. As such, the Manchester Township Police will be stepping up their traffic enforcement efforts," the captain said.