Vehicle Plows Into Berkeley's Der Wunder Weiner, Owner Airlifted

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The owner of the popular Der Wunder Weiner was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center after a vehicle slammed into the landmark eatery early this morning, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

The Route 9 business, which has been owned by Beachwood Councilman Gerald LaCrosse for decades, was extensively damaged, the chief said.

Route 9 has been reopened in both directions since the accident, DiMichele said.

The accident is under investigation by the Berkeley Township Traffic Safety Bureau. Anyone with any information please contact Lt. George Dohn at 732-341-1132, ext.2125.

It's not the first time the LaCrosse family has experienced a vehicle-related tragedy. Years ago, their daughter was killed in a Toms River car accident. She was stopped at a light when her car was rear-ended by another car, which pushed her into traffic.

The Beachwood Police Department has a photo of a smiling LaCrosse as their Facebook profile picture.

"We are praying for Council Member Gerald LaCrosse who was seriously injured today at his business in Berkeley Township," the post says. "Mr. LaCrosse was at his business when a SUV lost control and struck the trailer that he was in. Everyone knows the Wunder Wiener Hot Dog Stand and the impact his business had in not only our community, but the Jersey Shore! It was a terrible day for the Beachwood / Berkeley Community...Please keep this wonderful Man and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time."

This is a developing news story. Patch will update when more information is available.

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Photo: Courtesy of Stefanie Renee, Beachwood Police Department