Driver Injured As Fuel Oil Truck Overturns In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Beachwood man was injured Wednesday when the fuel oil truck he was driving overturned near the intersection of Route 70 and Ridgeway Road, Manchester police said.

Ronald Schwieters, 66, of Beachwood suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash that happened about noon, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

Schwieters was driving the 1986 Ford tanker truck north on Ridgeway Road toward Route 70 when police say he lost control of the truck and attempted to stop suddenly on the slippery, snow-covered road. He overcorrected and crossed into the southbound lanes of Ridgeway Road, where the truck hit a concrete curb and overturned.

While on its side, the truck began to leak a small amount of fuel oil, but Malland said the leak was quickly addressed to prevent any significant impact to the environment.

Schwieters was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for evaluation and treatment, Malland said. The road was closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Volunteer First Aid Squad and Berkeley Hazmat Unit. Also assisting were members of the Manchester Office of Emergency Management, the Ocean County Road Department, and the Ocean County Health Department.

Malland said the investigation by Sgt. Antonio Ellis and Patrolman Michael Anderson is continuing but driver error in reacting to the poor road conditions appears to be a contributing factor.

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Photos provided by Manchester Township Police