5 Injured in 3 Car Crash in Absecon

Traffic leaving Atlantic City from the Maroon 5 beach concert last evening was slowed on Route 30 because of a three car accident.

According to Absecon Police, the crash happened just in front of the Home Depot around 8:30 pm.

A Dodge Caravan was being operated by Corey Thacker, age 27 of Little Egg Harbor Township when he apparently ran through the red traffic light in front of the Absecon Home Depot while heading east. He struck a Nissan Altima being operated by Laurel Ritchie, age 30 of Hamilton Township as she was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Absecon Blvd to head west. The impact of the collision forced the Dodge Caravan into the westbound lanes where it struck a Ford Explorer head-on which was stopped for the red traffic signal on Absecon Blvd. The Explorer was being operated by Keith Zeck, age 45 of Galloway Twp. The Caravan then burst into flames. There were five reported injuries.

Police say the roadway was closed for about 90 minutes following the crash. Thacker was charged with DWI, refusing to take the breath test, reckless driving and disregard of a traffic signal.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Absecon Police at 609-641-0667 ext. 851.