2 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two men were hospitalized with serious injuries Tuesday night after a head-on collision on Route 571, Manchester Township police said Wednesday morning.

David M. Rehl, 41, of Toms River, and Michael P. Redding, 37, of Brick, both were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, as a result of the crash, which happened about 8 p.m., Capt. Todd Malland said.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, but Malland said the preliminary investigation showed Rehl was westbound on Route 571 — also known as Ridgeway Road — in a white 2004 Chevrolet Impala and crossed over the center line and hit a blue 2001 Ford Escape driven by Redding, which was eastbound on Ridgeway Road, head-on.

Rehl's car crossed over both a double yellow line and a center turning lane before hitting Redding's car near the intersection with Ridgeway Boulevard, Malland said.

Rehl had to be extricated from the Impala as a result of the crash, Malland said. Members of the Manchester and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments performed the extrication, he said.

Both drivers were taken to Jersey Shore by ambulance, he said. As of Wednesday morning, Rehl was listed in serious condition with internal injuries, while Redding was listed in stable condition with injuries to his arms, legs and face, Malland said.

Both men were wearing their seatbelts and both vehicles had multiple airbag deployment, he said.

The crash shut down Ridgeway Road between South Hope Chapel Road and Route 70 for about three hours.

Also assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester Volunteer First Aid Squad, EMS personnel from Quality Medical Transport, and paramedics from MONOC.

Additionally, detectives from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) Unit as well as detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office assisted at the scene.

Manchester Cpl. Douglas P. Higgins of the Traffic Safety section is investigating the crash, with the assistance
of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Malland said.

Photos by Manchester Township police