Church in Toms River is Closed After a Car Plows Through its Wall
Church in Toms River is Closed After a Car Plows Through its Wall
Photo Credit: Vin Ebenau, Townsquare Media NJ
St. Justin Roman Catholic Church
Following a car crash into one of its walls on Thursday morning, a church in Toms River is closed while repairs are made, according to Toms River police.
According to Jillian Messina, a media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department, St. Justin the Martyr Roman Catholic Church on Fischer Boulevard is closed because the building has "considerable damage to the structure" and was deemed unsafe by the Toms River Township Building Department.Frances Baranowski, 86, of Brick Township, told police that she was attempting to leave her parking place when "her foot became stuck on the gas pedal and behind the brake pedal, causing her vehicle to move forward, hit the curb, and become airborne before hitting into the building."
The church's insurance company sent out a repair crew on Thursday, according to Rev. Mark A. Kreder, pastor of St. Justin. On Thursday night, Kreder posted on the church's Facebook page that "the men are working hard." The Township will decide whether or not we can utilize the building this weekend.For updates, he advised parishioners to visit the church's website and Facebook page.
As always, the Toms River Police Department, the EMS personnel, the Toms River East Fire Department, and all others who reacted to the accident are to be thanked, Kreder wrote. "We thank the All-Powerful God that nobody was hurt." Frances Baranowski, 86, of Brick, told police that when attempting to leave her parking space at the church, her foot got stuck on the gas and the brake pedals. As a result, her automobile sped forward, struck the curb, and shot into the air before colliding with the building, according to police. According to Messina, the car's front end had substantial damage.Photos of the crash site show the automobile partially crashing into the church's brick wall.
According to Messina, Baranowski declined medical attention on the spot. Will Resetar, a police officer in Toms River, is investigating.
