Head-On Collision Causes Car To Burst Into Flames: Berkeley Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A head-on collision on Atlantic City Boulevard that caused both vehicles to leave the road ended with one car becoming fully engulfed in flames, Berkeley police said.

The crash occurred in the area of 340 Atlantic City Blvd., near Berkeley Plaza, shortly after 11 a.m. on Dec. 12, police said.

According to preliminary investigation, Frank Schmitt, Jr., 77, was driving a Honda CRV and attempting to turn left out of TD Bank and head north onto Atlantic City Boulevard, police said.

While making the turn, Schmitt instead turned into the southbound lane, where he collided head-on with a Ford Escort, police said.

The impact caused the CRV to jump the west curb and leave the roadway before coming to rest on the front grass of TD Bank, according to police.

The Ford Escort jumped the east curb of the highway, struck a road sign and came to rest in the Kearny Bank parking lot, police said.

Shortly after police arrived, the Ford Escort began smoking heavily and soon became "fully engulfed," police said. It was quickly extinguished by Bayville Fire Company.

As a precaution, the portion of Atlantic City Boulevard between Korman Road and Frederick Drive was temporarily closed.

The driver of the Ford Escort was taken to Community Medical Center for injuries sustained in the crash, but police did not share the driver's current status.

Schmitt and his passenger were also taken to Community Medical Center for leg pain, according to police.

Both vehicles were towed by Jersey Shore Towing. Police said that Schmitt was issued a summons for careless driving.

The crash is being investigated by Ptl. Jacob Cameraza.