Head-On Crash Closes Route 70 Eastbound In Brick (UPDATE)

BRICK – A head-on crash led to a major closure on a highway in Ocean County on Monday. Route 70 eastbound was closed for several hours but was later reopened.

The accident happened at approximately 5:30 a.m. when police responded to the head-on collision on Route 70 eastbound between Brick Boulevard and the interchange with Route 88, police said.

An investigation revealed that a 2018 black Audi A6, operated by Mark Ferrell, 35, of Toms River, was driving westbound on Route 70 on the opposite, or eastbound, side of the divided highway, police said.

This resulted in a head-on collision with a 2020 blue Volvo XC4, operated by Mark Valle, 28, of Brick. The impact caused Valle’s vehicle to rotate and crash into a 2004 black GMC Sierra operated by Patrick McElroy, 56, of Toms River, police said.

All three drivers were transported to the hospital – Ferrell to Jersey Shore Medical Center, Valle and McElroy to Ocean Medical Center – for non-life-threatening injuries.

Ferrell had to be extricated from his vehicle by members of Breton Woods, Pioneer Hose and Laurelton Fire companies who responded to the scene. The victims were treated and transported by members of the Brick Police EMS unit, police said.

Investigators are looking into a possible connection to a separate, earlier hit-and-run crash which occurred on Route 70 westbound in the area of the Home Depot. Minor injuries were reported in that crash.

The investigation is ongoing. Both crashes are being investigated by Sgt. Keith Donnelly and Ptl. Jay Lampiasi of the Brick Township Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed either crash are asked to contact Sgt. Donnelly or Lampiasi at 732-262-1140.

This is a developing story. Patch will have information as it comes in.