On Monday, January 6, 2025, at approximately 09:42 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Route 530 between Cherry Street and Locust Street, in the Whiting section of town, to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving one vehicle and a struck utility pole.
Upon arrival, officers observed a grey 2025 Kia K5 with extensive front end damage into a utility pole in the east bound shoulder of Route 530. The investigation revealed that the Kia was traveling in the east bound lane, when the driver encountered a frozen section of roadway. The Kia lost traction while negotiating a curve, left the roadway, and collided into the utility pole. The driver of the Kia, 19-year-old, Julia Drennan from Forked River, sustained a minor injury, and refused medical attention on scene. The roadway was closed for several hours and a detour was set up while Jersey Central Power and Light crews were making repairs to the utility pole.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Kamar Gainey of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.