TOMS RIVER, Ocean County, N.J., Oct. 27, 2026 — One person suffered a minor injury Sunday morning, October 25, when a vehicle struck an NJ Transit bus on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River, New Jersey.
The vehicle reportedly lost control during a separate crash before hitting the bus, which was traveling north around 10:25 a.m. The bus was running the 319 route toward the Port Authority Bus Terminal by way of Toms River and was carrying 56 passengers at the time.
The bus could not continue in service and was towed from the scene. Passengers were transferred to a following bus to complete their trip.
The circumstances of the initial crash that led the vehicle to strike the bus remain under review. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Toms River, NJ
The crash was reported on Garden State Parkway in Toms River. For more crash news from the area, see our Ocean County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Collisions involving a vehicle losing control often stem from speed, distraction, or road conditions that reduce a driver's ability to react in time.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to stop or steer away from danger and increase the force involved when vehicles collide.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Even a few seconds of taking eyes or attention off the road can prevent a driver from noticing traffic slowing or stopping ahead.
Can weather or road conditions contribute to a crash like this?
Wet pavement, glare, or heavy traffic can all make it harder for a driver to keep control of a vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Toms River, NJ
Anyone involved in a crash on a busy highway like the Parkway should move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even minor injuries should be checked by a medical professional, since some symptoms do not appear right away. It helps to get the names and contact information of anyone involved, note which agency responded, and request a copy of the official crash report once it becomes available. If you were a passenger on a bus or in another vehicle involved, keep any documentation from the transit agency about delays, transfers, or incident numbers, as this can be useful later.
