Manchester Township, NJ (January 18, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash with serious injuries occurred on Friday evening at the intersection of County Route 530 and School House Road in Manchester Township. The collision was reported around 5:33 p.m. and involved a tan 2011 Nissan Altima and a gray 2007 Ford Mustang.
Upon arrival, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department found both vehicles within the intersection, each with extensive damage and airbag deployment. The initial investigation determined that the Nissan Altima, traveling east on CR 530, attempted a left turn and crossed into the path of the westbound Ford Mustang, resulting in a significant impact.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 89-year-old Gloria Smith of Whiting, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted by Life Flight Medevac to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. The driver of the Mustang, 18-year-old Amanet Canto of Cream Ridge, was not injured in the crash.
Emergency response teams from the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Township EMS, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit assisted at the scene. The roadway was partially closed for several hours as crews conducted their investigation and cleared debris with the help of Priced Rite Towing.
Preliminary findings suggest that failure to yield the right of way while turning at the intersection was a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by Patrolmen Jesse Hoydis and Brendan Brush of the Manchester Township Police Traffic Safety Unit.
We extend our thoughts to Gloria Smith and wish her a full and smooth recovery following this serious incident.
