Route 37-Hooper Crash Causes Minor Injuries: Toms River Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A four-vehicle crash on Route 37 that caused a car to overturn resulted in minor injuries, Toms River police said.

The crash happened about 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Route 37 and Hooper Avenue and resulted when a Toms River woman drove through the intersection despite having a red light, said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Melissa Hernandez, 27, was stopped in her Jeep on Route 37 at the traffic light, and then proceeded through the light into the intersection, Messina said. Hernandez's Jeep was then hit broadside by a Volkswagen Jetta that was driving north on Hooper Avenue and had a green light, Messina said.

The force of the impact caused the Jeep to overturn, and sent the Jetta into two other vehicles that were stopped at the light, she said.

"We are very happy to report that due to all occupants of the four involved vehicles wearing their seatbelts, and the airbags deploying in the first two vehicles, there were no serious injuries in this accident," Messina said.

The driver of the Jetta, who was not identified, refused treatment at the scene and later went to Community Medical Center for minor complaints of pain.

The accident is being investigated by Traffic Safety Officer Mark Nater.

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