Pedestrian
struck, killed
on Route 9
By jeanette M. eng
Staff Writer
MARLBORO — Icy road conditions may have played a role in a pedestrian fatality on Thursday at 10:57 a.m.
According to Sgt. Joseph M. Lenge, who heads up the Marlboro Police Depart-ment’s Traffic and Safety Bureau, a driver traveling north on Route 9 struck two pedestrians who were walking alongside the highway.
The pedestrians were near the driveway of Nonna’s restaurant, about a half-mile north of Union Hill Road. Police believe the two women, both nannies living at township homes, were walking along the highway from a nearby shopping area en route to those homes.
Police said Olga Vakarechuk, 49, of Scott Drive, was pronounced dead at the scene and Hanna Yavorska, 43, of Arling-ton Drive, was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune, and was in critical condition as of Monday, according to Lenge.
As to how the accident occurred, police believe the driver may have lost control of her vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle, Christina Soubasis, 28, of Freehold, was driving a black 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. The vehicle was found facing the flow of traffic. In accordance with procedure, Soubasis was tested for drugs and alcohol. Results of those tests are pending, police said.
The investigation being handled by Patrolman Scott Feirstein is continuing.
Police were expecting to speak with their final witnesses on Monday before determining what, if any, charges would be lodged against Soubasis.
"We are still attempting to get statements from witnesses and have to look into the cause of the accident," Lenge said, noting that the effect of the weather on the accident is something still to be determined.
The accident occurred during a time when the weather unexpectedly resulted in icy roads.
"In a matter of 30 minutes the roads froze up and we had numerous accidents along Route 18," Lenge said.
Anyone with information about the Route 9 accident in front of Nonna’s is asked to contact Sgt. Joseph M. Lenge or Patrolman Scott Feirstein at (732) 536-0304.