Driver Rescued After Vehicle Soars 60 Feet Into Dense Woods in Ocean County

Driver Rescued After Vehicle Soars 60 Feet Into Dense Woods

Driver Rescued After Vehicle Soars 60 Feet Into Dense Woods in Ocean County

According to Manchester Police Department, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at approximately 2:00pm officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of State Highway Route 70 and Colonial Drive for the report of a single vehicle crash into a wooded area.

Upon arrival officers observed a blue 2016 Kia Sportage located approximately 60 feet into a heavily wooded area near the intersection. The driver of the Kia, identified as 71-year-old Thelma Dantzler of Whiting, NJ was medevac to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ with multiple upper body injuries.

She did not appear to have her seatbelt on at the time of the crash, however she is listed in stable condition at this time.

The preliminary crash investigation revealed that the Kia was traveling eastbound on State Highway Route 70 when it departed the roadway and briefly went airborne upon entering the woods.

The vehicle struck several small trees and bushes before coming to a complete stop. The crash was also observed by witnesses who assisted officers in the investigation.

Police said a medical episode appears to have played a role in the crash, which remains under investigation by Patrolman Keith Douglas of the Traffic Safety Unit.