Driver Airlifted After Garbage Trucks Crash In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man was seriously injured in a crash involving two garbage trucks from private trash-hauling companies, Toms River police said.

Michael Oese, 51, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center after the crash that happened about 1:45 p.m. Aug. 26 on Route 9 near the intersection with Church Road, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Oese was driving a garbage truck on Lakewood Road and was following another garbage truck when that truck slowed down for traffic, Messina said. Oese told police he tried to swerve onto the shoulder but was unable to avoid hitting the first truck because the road was slick, she said.

The crash pinned Oese in his truck and he had to be extricated by the Toms River Fire Company, Messina said.

There were no other reported injuries, she said.

Toms River community service officers and paramedics with Robert Wood Johnson assisted.

Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Mike Cassidy is investigating.