Family: 4-year-old girl on ventilator after crash at ‘dangerous’ intersection on Route 70

The intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue in Toms River has been named among the most dangerous in the country.

Matt Trapani and Samantha Liebman

Mar 27, 2023, 9:22 PM

Updated 395 days ago

Share:

A young girl is fighting for her life after a crash in Ocean County last week.
The crash happened at an intersection in Toms River that many say is too dangerous. The intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue has been named among the most dangerous in the country.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says that a U-Haul pickup truck struck several vehicles during the crash, including one carrying 4-year-old Isabella Corbin. The child is on a ventilator and has already undergone one brain surgery.
Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer identified the U-Haul’s driver as 33-year-old Charles Sharkey, Jr. Billhimer says that Sharkey was on a cellphone and driving erratically in the stolen pickup. Sharkey allegedly ran a red light and slammed into the Subaru that Corbin’s father was driving. Corbin’s father and her two brothers are OK.
“We’re OK. We’re struggling. But we’re just praying for our girl and we know that she’s a miracle and she’s going to be OK,” says Gabby Koehler, Corbin’s aunt.
Sharkey had several prior traffic violations and open arrest warrants, according to officials.
The crash is a reminder of the danger of the intersection.
Toms River Mayor Mo Hill says changes were made to the intersection in the fall of 2021 to make it safer. The turn signal time was increased, which has led to a 30% reduction in crashes and a 100% decrease in fatal crashes.
A study commissioned by a Colorado law firm found it was the third most dangerous intersection in the country between 2000 and 2019. There were eight deaths at the location.
Sharkey is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a hearing.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks