Five hospitalized after head-on crash in Manchester

A head-on crash in Monday's driving rain in Manchester sends a Tuckerton man, his three preteen daughters, and a Whiting woman to hospitalization.

Gabriel Bailey, 32, of Tuckerton, was listed in serious but stable condition at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune in the aftermath of the Monday evening collision on Route 539, according to police. His daughters, age 3, 6, and 8, were given observation at the same hospital. Elizabeth Vanpelt, 39, of Whiting, was also rushed to Jersey Shore and listed in stable condition.

Investigators who arrived at the highway's intersection with Cherry Street at about 6:22 PM found Bailey's 2000 Nissan Sentra with extensive front-end damage in the northbound lane, and Vanpelt's blue 2016 GMC Acadia, also bearing heavy front-end damage, beside the southbound side.

According to police, Bailey's car veered across the dividing line, into the path of Vanpelt's car. They determined that the teeming rain was a factor.

Firefighters used extrication methods for Bailey, who sustained internal injuries and broken bones. Vanpelt suffered neck and chest injuries. The highway was barricaded for several hours in the vicinity.

Police noted that everyone involved in the crash wore seat restraints, and that airbags activated in both vehicles.

Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, GEM Ambulance EMTs and MONOC Paramedics assisted. The crash investigation is led by Manchester PD Sergeant Antonio Ellis.