Ocean County Woman Injured After Striking Traffic Sign, Tree

MANCHESTER – A Township woman has been hospitalized after her vehicle struck a traffic sign then crashed into a tree, causing the vehicle to catch fire, police said.

According to police, a 2008 silver Jeep Liberty was traveling south on Hope Chapel Road at around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday near Ridge Avenue. The Jeep crossed the double yellow center line, left the roadway, then struck a traffic sign. The Jeep continued to travel south and impacted a tree where it came to a stop in the northbound shoulder of Hope Chapel Road.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the Jeep fully involved with flames, however no occupants were inside.

The driver, 49-year-old Laura Garciapoblano of Manchester, was brought to Jersey Shore University Hospital via medevac helicopter for treatment and evaluation of her injuries. She is currently listed in stable condition, police said.

The roadway was closed during the investigation and cleanup.

Assisting at the scene were Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital LifeFlight Medevac Helicopter and Priced Rite Towing.

At this time, investigation is ongoing. However, police believe driver error is the primary contributing factor of the crash.

This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Sage Sysol of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.