MANCHESTER, NJ — July 30 — Emergency crews arrived on Thursday afternoon to a fatal collision involving two vehicles on State Highway 70, near mile marker 43 in Manchester Township.

Whiting Fire Company Station 33 was the first fire department to respond.

Their team helped ensure the scene was safe, managed potential hazards, and provided care to the injured while working with law enforcement, emergency services, and other agencies.

The crash was reported around 5:14 p.m.

and involved a 2019 Honda Civic and a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD.Investigators stated that the Honda was going east when it crossed the center line and entered the westbound lanes, leading to a head-on collision with the Silverado.

The driver of the Honda, Tammy Huth, 53, from Toms River, was the only occupant in her vehicle.

She was wearing a seat belt but was found unresponsive by first responders and was declared dead at the scene.Both the front and side airbags had deployed.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Colin Michaelis, 32, from Lindenwold, was also the only person in his vehicle and was wearing a seat belt.

He suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was taken for medical evaluation.

Both cars came to a stop in the westbound lanes.

Route 70 was closed for several hours as emergency workers handled the scene, investigators collected evidence, and the road was cleared.

The response included the Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Medical Examiner's Office, New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey State Police, and Whiting Fire Company Station 33.

Additional assistance after the incident was provided by Priced Rite Towing and Oliverie Funeral Home.

The incident is still under investigation by the Manchester Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Section.

According to police, failure to stay in the correct lane was likely a main factor, although the investigation is ongoing.

For fire and emergency medical services personnel, the event highlighted the challenging nature of responding to fatal road crashes, where crews must deal with traffic dangers, damaged vehicles, patient care, scene management, and coordination with multiple public safety agencies.

Whiting Fire Company Station 33 is located at 120 Lacey Road in Whiting, New Jersey, and serves the surrounding Manchester Township community.

The emergency services community offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Closed Route 70 in Manchester Township