Township woman, 77, dies in Ryders Lane accident

EAST BRUNSWICK — Police are investigating what may have caused a township woman’s car to cross into oncoming traffic on Ryders Lane Monday, resulting in her death.

Viola Vitale, 77, was killed in the 3 p.m. accident after her 1994 Toyota Camry, which was headed south on Ryders Lane near Blueberry Drive, crossed over two lanes and struck a car traveling north in the right lane.

Vitale was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead.

The northbound car, a 2001 Toyota Camry, was being driven by Elizabeth Hommer, 82, of Monroe. Police said Hommer suffered minor injuries including a broken foot, and was also treated at Robert Wood Johnson.

The Milltown First Aid Squad responded to the accident, transporting both drivers to the hospital.

East Brunswick Police Patrolman Sean Taulane, of the Traffic Safety Division, said Tuesday the accident would require a thorough investigation before any conclusions could be drawn about contributing factors. He said that road conditions were dry at the time of the crash.

It was not yet clear whether the drivers were wearing seat belts, Taulane said.

There were no passengers in either car.

Police asked that any witnesses to the accident call Officer Sean Garrison at (732) 390-6969.