Bicyclist 'Critical' After Hitting Utility Trailer: Manchester Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A bicyclist was hospitalized in critical condition Friday evening after he crashed into a utility trailer on Lacey Road near Manchester Boulevard earlier in the day, police said.

Joseph Kubiak, 61, of Whiting, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune from the crash, which happened shortly before 10:30 a.m., Manchester Lt. James Komsa said.

The preliminary investigation showed Kubiak was riding his bicycle and rode into the lane of travel where Gregory Gianci Jr., 32, of Waretown, was driving a 2003 Blue Dodge Ram with a utility trailer attached, and hit the side of the trailer, Komsa said.

Kubiak was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Komsa said, and authorities are investigating the possibility that he had a medical episode before he hit the trailer. He was unconscious when first responders arrived, Komsa said.

The road was closed for a brief period of time during the rescue efforts and investigation, he said.

Assisting at the scene were the Career Manchester Fire Department Squad 13, Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson Life Flight, and EMTs with the Manchester Emergency Medical Services.

Sgt. Ian Bole of the Manchester Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating.