UPDATE: Route 70 Cleared After Afternoon Collision, Fuel and Chemical Spill

Route 70 has been cleared hours after the state highway was closed eastbound at its intersection with Route 571 while authorities worked to clean up a spill caused by a two-vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon.

A Cowley's Termite and Pest Toyota Tundra pickup, driven by 46-year-old Steven Wrzesnewski of Ortley Beach, collided with a Ford Ranger driven by 57-year-old David Romano of Toms River on Route 70 near Wilbur Avenue at about 2:45 p.m., said Capt. Lisa Parker. 

Romano was traveling west on Route 70 when Wrzesnewski attempted to make a left into eastbound traffic from Wilbur Avenue and the vehicles collided, Parker said. The impact caused the Cowley's truck to overturn, spilling fluids onto the roadway. 

Romano was transported to a Brick hospital complaining of chest pains. Wrzesnewski did not report any injuries at the scene, according to Parker. 

The potential hazmat situation prompted authorities to close the roadway and detour Route 70 eastbound traffic up Route 571 to Route 527. Responders said gasoline, pesticides and an unknown chemical spilled onto the road, requiring a careful cleanup. 

Following the crash, authorities were unsure of how long they would be on scene while crews cleaned the spills. 

"These things can't be rushed," said Arthur Abline, coordinator of Manchester's Office of Emergency Management. "It will take as long as it takes."

Manchester's Office of Emergency Management, police, the Ridgeway and Manchester volunteer fire companies, New Jersey Department of Transportation Road Department and hazmat crews from Berkeley Township and Point Pleasant Borough responded to the scene.

Patrolman Paul Bachovchin of the police department's Traffic Safety Section is investigating the crash.