2 Women Airlifted After Route 37 Crash in Lakehurst

Two women had to be airlifted to Jersey Shore University Hospital after being severely hurt in a two-car crash that shut down a portion of Route 37 in Lakehurst Monday, Lakehurst Police said.

Ruth Berlen, 87, of Whiting, was going west on Route 37 in her Toyota Corolla when Shirley Pszczola, 80, of Lakehurst, was trying to turn left on to the highway from Brown Avenue around 12:36 p.m., police said.

Berlen's Toyota collided with Pszczola's Toyota Corolla, resulting in injuries that required helicopter transport, police said. The crash shut down Route 37 for about four hours, as police investigated the scene.

Both women were listed in stable condition at the hospital, police said.

The accident remains under investigation by Lakehurst Officer Roberta Brooks, who was assisted by Chief Eric Higgins and Officers Iain James and Matthew Kline at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any additional details regarding the crash is asked to contact Brooks at 732-657-7812, extension 312.

Assisting Lakehurst Police at the accident scene were Manchester Police, the Lakehurst Fire Department, Quality Medical Transport, MONOC paramedics, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey State Department of Transportation.