Bystanders Rush To Help After Fiery Head-On Crash In South Jersey: Police

EGG HARBOR TWP., NJ — Police are praising the work of the Egg Harbor Township community after they jumped into action when a fiery car crash occurred near local businesses, helping out the victims before emergency personnel arrived.

It was about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday when the crash happened in front of 2511 Fire Road, which is home to several businesses, according to a news release.

A 31-year-old man from Ocean City was heading south in a 2022 Ford Ranger when a 2008 Hyundai Accent, driven by a 24-year-old Margate man, tried to turn left into the parking lot of 2511 Fire Road, police said.

The two vehicles collided head-on in the northbound lane of the road, police said. The Ford was sent off into the shoulder, hitting a business sign and utility pole guidewire before stopping, police said. The Hyundai was pushed backward into the northbound lane and its engine caught fire.

Numerous bystanders and employees from local businesses Darrell's Auto Body, Veterans Roofing and City Leaves all immediately jumped into action, according to police. They helped the crash victims get out of their cars and away from the scene, rendering emergency assistance and extinguishing the fire - all before emergency personnel arrived, police said.

Both drivers were treated at the scene and taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center-City Campus for moderate injuries.

Assisting at the scene were Egg Harbor Township EMS, Egg Harbor Township Fire Department Apparatus from Farmington and Cardiff Stations, AtlantiCare paramedics and the Absecon Police Department. The section of Fire Road was closed for about two hours diverting traffic down California Avenue and Pear Street.

The crash is being investigated by Officers Nick Poletis, Robert Moran and Sergeant Ed Stearns of the Egg Harbor Township Traffic Safety Unit. The investigation is ongoing and charges pending.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Egg Harbor Township Traffic Safety Unit at 609-926-2641.

"The Egg Harbor Township Police Department would also like to Thank the employees and citizens of our community for jumping in and helping out in a time of need," police said. "Your actions are greatly appreciated, and certainly not unnoticed."