Dislodged utility trailer causes four-vehicle crash in Whiting
An 80-year old Whiting woman is in serious but stable condition this morning after a dislodged utility trailer struck her vehicle which led to several airbags being deployed.
Manchester Police said in a statement Thursday morning that they learned through their preliminary investigation Bruce Hay, 54, of Whiting was driving on Route 530 near Congasia Road late Wednesday afternoon when the trailer in the back of his Dodge Ram suddenly dislodged from the tow hitch and extended the safety chains, ultimately separating from the vehicle.
Marylou Bierwirth, 80, was heading westbound at the time in a 2016 Toyota Corolla and collided head-on with the dislodged trailer, police said, but became trapped inside her vehicle.
She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Bierworth was extradited after police and first responders arrived on scene around 4:28 pm and brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by an RWJ medevac helicopter.
One of the other drivers involved in the collision, 71-year old Renette Jackson of Whiting who had been driving a 2013 Buick and was wearing a seatbelt, complained of pain but refused medical attention.
The 4th driver involved in the crash, 20-year old Kayleigh McDonough of Bayville who was heading along the road in a 2006 Acura, was also wearing a seatbelt and did not suffer any reported injuries or pain.
Manchester Police and Sergeant Ian Bole of the department's Traffic Safety section is investigating the crash.