By: Tracie Carter
A woman lost her life following a late-night crash in Ocean County that authorities say remains under active investigation.
According to information released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 11:05 p.m. on March 7 when officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of Lakewood Road and Whitty Road for reports of a serious motor vehicle crash.
Investigators determined that a Volkswagen Jetta was traveling southbound on Lakewood Road when it struck a guardrail on the passenger side.
The impact caused the vehicle to lose control and veer into oncoming traffic, where it collided head-on with a Honda Accord that was traveling northbound.
Emergency responders rushed both drivers to area hospitals following the violent crash.
Authorities said the driver of the Honda was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where she was later pronounced dead. Her identity has not yet been publicly released.
The driver of the Volkswagen was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Officials say he is currently listed in stable condition.
According to prosecutors, officers at the scene observed signs that the Volkswagen driver may have been impaired.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities obtained a court-authorized blood draw from the driver while he was at the hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit Vehicular Homicide Squad along with the Toms River Township Police Department.
Additional information is expected as the investigation continues.