5 Hurt In Head-On Crash During Downpour In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — Five people, including three children, were injured Monday evening in a head-on collision on Route 539, Manchester police said Tuesday.

Gabriel Bailey, 32, of Tuckerton, and Elizabeth Vanpelt, 39, of Whiting, both suffered serious injuries in the crash, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said. Both are listed in stable condition at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune as of Tuesday morning, he said.

In addition, Bailey's three daughters, ages 3, 6, and 8, were taken to Jersey Shore and admitted for observation, Malland said.

The collision happened about 6:20 p.m. in the midst of the heavy rain brought by Monday evening's storms. Malland said the initial investigation indicated that Bailey, who was driving a 2000 Nissan Sentra northbound on Route 539 crossed over the center line and hit the 2016 GMC Acadia driven by Vanpelt head-on in the southbound lane. The weather was determined to be a contributing factor, Malland said.

The collision resulted in the closure of Route 539 for several hours.

Bailey was wearing his seat belt and all three children were using appropriate child restraints at the time of the crash, Malland said. Vanpelt, who was traveling alone, also was wearing her seatbelt, he said. Both vehicles had multiple airbag deployments.

Bailey, who had to be extricated by members of the fire department, was listed in serious but stable condition with internal injuries and broken bones, Malland said. Vanpelt suffered neck and chest injuries, he said.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, EMTs from GEM Ambulance Service and paramedics from MONOC. Quality Medical Transport also was at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by Sgt. Antonio Ellis of the Manchester Township Police Traffic Safety Section.

Photos provided by Manchester Township Police