Eatontown Head-On Crash Sends 4 to Hospital

By Christopher Sheldon

Four people were hospitalized following a head-on crash in Eatontown on Monday night.

Eatontown Police Detective Lawrence Tyler said the crash occurred on Nov. 4 at about 9:47 p.m. on Highway 71 (Broad Street) near the intersection of Locust Avenue in the borough.

"Responding officers found what appeared to be a head on crash involving two vehicles with both drivers pinned in their vehicles," Tyler said. "Both drivers had to extricated from their vehicles."

The driver of one vehicle, Juan Mondragon, 39, of Eatontown, complained of pain and he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. His passenger, Patricia Sanchez, 42, of Eatontown, also complained of pain and was taken to Monmouth Medical Center.

Tyler said the initial investigation has found Mondragon to be at fault. He was issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving, driving without a license, and driving with his driving privilege suspended.

The other driver, Gilbert Hay, 18, of Oakhurst, was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Medical Center by South Star MedEvac due to the extended period of time which he spent trapped in his vehicle. His passenger, Matthew Launder, 18, of Elberon, was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. 

Tyler said it does not appear that any of the injuries are life threatening.

The crash is being investigated by Eatontown Police Officer Joshua Koval and Traffic Safety Officer Christopher Bartlett. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call either officer at 732-542-0100.