UPDATE: 19-Year-Old Killed in Route 35 Accident Christmas Eve Morning

Hazlet Township Police Chief James Broderick has released details about the three motor vehicle accidents that occurred on a one-mile stretch of Route 35 in Hazlet Township on Christmas Eve morning, which caused traffic delays and brief power outages in the area. Here is his report:

Poole Ave. & Route 35, at 7:58 a.m.

The first accident occurred at 7:58 a.m. at the intersection of Poole Avenue and Highway 35. It was a single car accident involving a 2003 Honda that was traveling north on Hwy 35 that struck the center median and then slid across the roadway where it struck a utility pole, breaking the pole into several sections.                 

The driver, Taylor Delepine, 19, of Middletown was transported to Bayshore Community Hospital where he died. (See article.) This accident is still under investigation, but based on preliminary investigation, excessive speed does not appear to be a contributing factor.

Investigation is continuing by Officer Maryann Smith, assisted by Sgt. Scott Mura. The Police Department is requesting that anyone that may have witnessed the accident to please contact Officer Maryann Smith at 732-264-6565, Extension 510.                      

Assisting at the accident scene were Holmdel Police, Hazlet First Aid, North Centerville Fire Company, MONOC Paramedics, and the NJ Department of Transportation Incident Response Unit.                

Route 35 & Bedle Road, 9:45 a.m.          

The second accident occurred at 9:45 a.m. on Hwy 35 South near Bedle Road. It was a 3-vehicle accident. A 2007 Chevrolet  being driven by Steven Gennarelli of Red Bank struck the rear of a 2004 Volkswagen being driven by Shannon Thomas of Jersey City. That vehicle in turn was pushed into the rear of a 2009 Ford being driven by Bernadette Oregan of Keyport. 

The driver of the 2004 Volkwagen was transported to Bayshore Hospital by Hazlet First Aid. This accident was investigated by Officer Michael Tristao.                   

Route 35 near Miller Avenue, 9:49 a.m.

The third accident occurred at 9:49 a.m. on Hwy 35 North near Miller Ave. It was also a 3-vehicle accident. It was a minor accident with no injuries.

A 2008 Ford driven by Edward Mutchler of Freehold and a 2012 Ford driven by Glenn Marie of Middletown were stopped in traffic.  The 2012 Ford was struck in the rear by a 2012 Honda driven by Christopher Trimble of Holmdel. That collision pushed the 2012 Ford into the rear of the 2008 Ford. This accident was investigated by Officer Chris Acevedo.

Original story:

Hazlet Police and volunteers from Hazlet First Aid and North Centerville Fire Company responded to three separate motor vehicle accidents on a one-mile stretch of Route 35 Monday morning, all before 9:45 a.m. 

There were two on the southbound sides of Route 35 -- one just before Holmdel Road intersection, and another at the next intersection at Bethany/Poole Avenue. The third was on the northbound side of 35, in front of T-Mobile. 

Traffic was disrupted and power was briefly knocked out for some users.