BELLEPLAIN – An accident on Route 347 on Monday, July 1, took the life of a 17-year-old from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, New Jersey State Police said.
State troopers and fire crews responded to the crash at 5:34 p.m. on Route 347 north near milepost 0.7, State Police said. A Toyota driven by the 17-year-old, who was not identified, was traveling south on Route 347 when it crossed the center line.
State Police said the Toyota then struck a Ford pickup truck driven by a Bridgeton man, 56.
The Dennis Volunteer Fire Co. reported on social media that at around 5:35 p.m. that day, Dennis fire units were dispatched as part of automatic aid for the Belleplain Volunteer Fire Company, which had been called to the 200 block of Route 347 in Eldora for a motor vehicle accident.
When the Dennis deputy chief arrived on location, he reported a four-vehicle crash, with one vehicle containing an occupant, the 17-year-old, who was heavily entrapped.
Squad 18 from Dennis arrived a short time later and began working to free the youth, who was then transported by Inspira EMS & Ground Transport to a landing zone nearby and then by a New Jersey State Police-Southstar MedEvac helicopter to an area trauma center, where the teenager later died.
The Heislerville Fire Company was asked to the scene for additional manpower, and Ocean View Fire Company covered Dennis’ fire district.
Dennis’ Squad 18, Engine 18, Rescue 18, Brush 18 and Utility 18 all responded to the scene. Additional responding agencies included the State Police, AtlantiCare paramedics, Inspira EMS paramedics and the state Department of Transportation.
Route 347 was closed for several hours for the accident investigation and as crews worked to clear the roadway of debris.
The accident is under investigation by the State Police-Woodbine Barracks. The crash remains under investigation.
In an unrelated accident, on July 1 at around 6:18 p.m., police said a car crashed into a utility pole on Route 47 north between Goshen Road and County Road 657, closing the road in both directions due to a downed pole. The DOT also was called to the scene.
According to Lt. Jason Sweitzer of the Middle Township Police Department, a passenger in the car was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was not injured.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
