Toms River Man Injured As Route 70 Crash Downs Wires In Lakehurst

LAKEHURST, NJ — A Toms River man was injured Sunday in a crash on Route 70 after he suffered a medical emergency, Lakehurst police said.

Robert Ricci, 84, suffered a medical emergency as he was driving along Route 70 in the area of Center Street about 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Lakehurst police said. He lost control of his vehicle and hit a utility pole, bringing down the pole and wires.

Ricci was taken to Community Medical Center by Jackson EMS for further medical treatment.

The live wires came down on the property of the McDonald's at 98 Route 70, forcing the restaurant to close temporarily because of the danger from the wires. It also damaged the electrical panel in the restaurant, police said.

Traffic on Route 70 and Route 547 was detoured for about six hours while JCP&L utility workers replaced the pole and power lines.

Assisting at the scene were the Lakehurst Fire Department, Joint Base Fire Department, RWJ Paramedics, Jackson First Aid Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office, Manchester Building inspector and the NJ Department of Transportation.