Stafford Police Seek Info About 4-Car Crash On Route 72

STAFFORD, NJ — Police are seeking information from the public about a four-car crash on Friday that detoured both sides of Route 72 and caused delays for several hours.

Stafford police responded to the intersection of Route 72 and Marsha Drive for the report of a motor vehicle collision at 11:50 a.m.

According to an investigation, Joseph White, 51 of Tuckerton, was traveling east on Route 72 in a 2006 box truck when he failed to obey the red traffic signal at the intersection of Marsha Drive, police said.

Upon entering the intersection, White struck a 2009 black Ford 150, operated by Rufino Tepetl, 44 of Manahawkin, who was traveling north on Marsha Drive, police said.

After the impact, the Ford 150 collided into a 2019 Volkswagen, operated by Catherine Frieder, 67 of Colonia. All three vehicles came to rest within the intersection, according to police.

A fourth vehicle, a 2011 Honda Accord, operated by Craig Allen, 40 of Manahawkin, also struck the traffic signal at the intersection, resulting in traffic delays and detours to Long Beach Island, police said.

After being extricated from the vehicle, Tepetl was airlifted to Atlantic City Trauma Center for treatment. Frieder was also injured and transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment.

Stafford Township EMS, Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 and New Jersey Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.

Due to the damage sustained by the traffic signal, Route 72 eastbound was closed for several hours with a detour through Beach Haven West to access Long Beach Island.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Traffic Safety Officer DeMarco at 609-597-1189, ext. 8456 or gdemarco@staffordpolice.org.

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