By: Richard L. Smith
A crash that occurred in Egg Harbor Township on Wednesday afternoon severely injured a teenage boy.
The incident involved a collision between a bicycle and a tow truck on Ocean Heights Avenue, near Blackman Road, as reported by Lt. Mark Mensch of the Egg Harbor Township Police.
According to a statement released by Lt. Mensch, the accident happened at approximately 4:49 PM when a 2021 Ford Tow Truck, driven by 44-year-old Mr. Francis Kelly of Atlantic City, was traveling northbound.
At the same time, Lt. Mensch said the 15-year-old cyclist, also heading north, was struck by the vehicle.
He sustained traumatic injuries due to the impact.
First responders, including the Egg Harbor Township EMS and AtlantiCare ALS, attended to the identified injured teen at the scene.
Lt. Mensch said due to the severity of his injuries, he was quickly airlifted to Cooper Hospital for further treatment.
The crash investigation, led by Officer Thomas Rizzotte and Sergeant Ed Stearns from the Traffic Safety Unit, is ongoing.
Authorities managed traffic diversions for about an hour and a half to clear the scene and conduct preliminary investigations.
Law enforcement is urging anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward and contact the Egg Harbor Township Traffic Safety Unit at 609-926-2641 to assist with the ongoing investigation.