Multiple Accidents Reported in Icy Conditions

Multiple accidents have been reported as a result of Friday morning's freezing rain, and several local police departments are advising drivers to stay off the roads.

In Lacey Township, West Lacey Road in the Bamber Lakes section has been shut down following an accident that has been attributed to the ice, Chief David A. Paprota said.

The closure – which is centered at the Dover Road intersection – is a result of a van striking a utility pole with the pole falling onto another vehicle. All those involved were transported from the scene to Community Medical Center, according to the chief.

Toms River and Manchester Township Police both issued warnings this morning after multiple crashes. Brick Township Police and the Ocean County Sheriff's Department also sent out a warning message of extremely icy road conditions. Jackson police reported more than 50 accidents by 10 a.m.

Several crashes were reported on Route 539 in Whiting and into Lacey Township, police said, and road conditions could stay hazardous much of the morning, with freezing rain predicted through as late as 11 a.m.

According to scanner reports, an EMS strike team from Monmouth County was being called in by Ocean County officials to handle the call volume.