Stafford: On September 17, 2020 at 8:50AM a motor vehicle collision occurred on Route 72 at the intersection of Barnacle Drive. Investigation revealed a 2014 Honda CRV operated by Sandra Kearns, 70 of Barnegat, NJ was attempting to cross Route 72 from Barnacle Drive into the entrance of the Health Village. As Kearns began crossing, she did not see a 2004 Toyota Camry operated by Kathleen Chmielewski, 63 of Whiting, NJ traveling east on Route 72. Kearns crashed into Chmielewski’s vehicle causing it to run off the roadway onto the front lawn of Atria Assisted Living.

Both Kathleen Chmielewski and her husband Carl sustained serious injuries and were flown to Atlantic City Trauma Center for treatment by Life Flight, where they are currently in ICU. Neither driver or passenger were restrained by a seatbelt at the time the crash occurred. Kearns declined any medical treatment.

Due to the accident, traffic was diverted for approximately 30 minutes. Traffic Safety Officer Justin Pascale is the investigating officer.