65-Car Pile-Up On Rt. 18 In Eatontown; Six Hospitalized

EATONTOWN, NJ — There were two major accidents Wednesday morning that involved 65 cars total sliding into each other at the intersection of Rt. 18 south and Rt. 36 in southern Monmouth County.

This happened at Rt. 18/Rt. 36 in Eatontown and there were actually two different chain-reaction pile-ups, said Eatontown Police.

The first pile-up happened at 6:27 am. on Rt. 36 west at the Rt. 18 ramp and involved 15 cars total sliding into each other. Then, approximately 10 minutes after the first crash, a second pile-up occurred. This time it was on the Rt. 18 ramp onto Rt. 36 east. This crash involved approximately 50 cars.

This incident had the most serious injuries and six people had to be taken to local hospitals. Many other drivers were treated by EMTs at the scene.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said both crashes were caused by black ice and slick, icy road conditions.

“This was a major event due to severe icing conditions that caused slick and dangerous roads, which resulted in the pile up,” said Golden. "Pay close attention to black ice. It's dangerous and deceiving."

During the second crash, a third crash occurred which resulted in diesel fuel being expelled onto the highway, creating a hazardous material on the roadway.

Avoid the area of Rt. 18 and Hwy. 36 for several hours as crew remove the damaged vehicles.

In an unrelated incident, an Old Bridge woman was killed at 5:30 Wednesday morning when her car pulled out in front of a garbage truck unable to stop on the icy roads, said police in that town. Read: Old Bridge Woman Dies In Icy Road Crash Wednesday, Police Say

The county sheriff warned all to stay clear of black ice, which has the potential to form as a result of rain or snow combined with a drop in temperatures. Black ice is hard to spot because of its transparency but driving or walking on it can be dangerous. It usually forms at dawn and late at night when temperatures are at their lowest.

Aberdeen Police warned of icy roads and multiple accidents Wednesday morning and begged drivers to be careful. Slick roads and patches of ice caused an incredible 33 fender benders in South Brunswick this morning.

Icy Roads Cause 33 Crashes, Traffic Issues In South Brunswick

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Multiple vehicle accident with injuries in the Eatontown/Tinton Falls area due to the weather. Please stay clear of the off ramp from Routes 18 to 36 East. EMS is on scene. @SheriffGolden cautions all to be aware of black ice. It’s dangerous and deceiving. pic.twitter.com/dUTguxV8qL
— Monmouth County Sheriff's Office (@MonmouthSheriff) January 5, 2022

**Update to major multi vehicle accident off R18S&R36E-Eatontown/Tinton Falls**@SheriffGolden cautions all to the avoid area as units are on scene. MCSO EMS Task Force treated patients&MCSO Medical Ambulance Bus transported 6 to area hospitals. Pay close attention to black ice. pic.twitter.com/1afkM5ByeW
— Monmouth County Sheriff's Office (@MonmouthSheriff) January 5, 2022