JACKSON — An intersection that has been the location of several motor vehicle accidents in recent years was the scene of a fatal collision on Feb. 25.
The intersection of Hawkin Road and Route 528 is at the border of Jackson and Plumsted.
Just after 3:20 p.m., emergency personnel from both municipalities responded to a collision involving a 1993 Ford F800 flatbed truck and a 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
According to Jackson Police Lt. Steven Laskiewicz, a preliminary investigation determined that the Jeep, which was being driven by Kaitlyn Henninger, 17, of Jackson, was traveling south on Hawkin Road. Henninger came to a complete stop, as required, at the intersection.
A vehicle that was traveling east on Route 528 turned left onto Hawkin Road in front of Henninger. After that vehicle completed its turn, Henninger began to proceed straight across the intersection.
At that time, her Jeep was struck on the driver’s side by the flatbed truck, which was traveling west on Route 528. The truck was being driven by James Ohagen, 43, of Mount Laurel.
Police said Ohagen attempted to avoid striking the Jeep, but was unable to do so.
Laskiewicz said Henninger was extricated from her vehicle and transported to the Helene Fuld Medical Center, Trenton, where she was pronounced dead.
Police said Ohagen was not injured in the accident.
In addition to stop signs that are posted on Hawkin Road, a blinking red light requires traffic on Hawkin Road to come to a complete stop at the intersection. A blinking yellow light on Route 528 signals drivers to proceed with caution.
In recent years, residents who live near the intersection have blamed accidents that occur at the location on a number of contributing factors, including a farmhouse on one corner that allegedly creates a blind spot for motorists.
Some people have sought to have a full traffic signal installed at the intersection. The decision rests with Ocean County officials.
“I don’t think [the large stop signs] have helped at all, but that is what the county has put up,” Plumsted Mayor Jack Trotta said. “We want to explore every avenue we can to get this solved once and for all.”
Trotta said county officials have told him that traffic patterns at the intersection do not warrant the construction of a full traffic signal.
Trotta said he and Jackson Mayor Michael Reina were planning to discuss their concerns about the intersection with county engineers during a meeting that had already been scheduled for Feb. 27.
“It will be discussed again. Unfortunately, this incident is very timely for that discussion. We were going to discuss the intersection anyway, but we have another reason to bring it up, sadly,” the mayor said.