Bystanders come together to help in EHT crash

Bystanders came together to help those involved in an Egg Harbor Township crash on Wednesday morning.

Anthony DeJesse was heading south on Fire Road at about 9:37 a.m., when Christian Roberts, who was headed north, made a left turn into the parking lot at 2511 Fire Road, according to the report.

The vehicles collided head-on in the northbound lane, Capt. Cherie Burgan said.

DeJesse's 2022 Ford Ranger was projected off to the shoulder, where it came to rest after striking a business sign and utility pole guidewire, Burgan said.

Roberts' 2008 Hyundai Accent was pushed backward and came to rest in the northbound lane where the engine compartment caught fire, according to the report.

DeJesse, 31, of Ocean City, and Roberts, 24, of Margate, were treated at the scene and then taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus in Atlantic City for moderate injuries.

Numerous bystanders and employees from local businesses identified as Darrell’s Auto Body, Veterans Roofing and City Leaves, all jumped into action and assisted the crash victims out of their vehicles and away from the scene, rendering emergency assistance and extinguishing the fire prior to emergency personnel arriving on location, Burgan said.

"We are very thankful for the community we have here in Egg Harbor Township," Burgan said. "Employees at the businesses in town really stepped up to assist in a time of need today."

Egg Harbor Township EMS, Egg Harbor Township fire companies from Farmington and Cardiff, Atlanticare Paramedics and the Absecon Police Department assisted at the scene. The section of Fire Road was closed for about two hours, diverting traffic down California Avenue and Pear Street.

Officers Nick Poletis and Robert Moran, and Sgt. Ed Stearns are investigating.

Charges are pending.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Egg Harbor Township Traffic Safety Unit at 609-926-2641.