By: Richard L. Smith
NJ State Police officials are investigating an Atlantic County highway crash that severely injured a man Friday morning.
According to NJ State Police Spokesman Sergeant Curry, the crash happened at approximately 1:31 am in the eastbound lanes of the Atlantic City Expressway near mile marker 42.2 in Gloucester Twp.
Sergeant Curry said a preliminary investigation revealed that a Mercedes was going eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway at MP 42.2 when it traveled onto the roadway's shoulder, striking the guardrail's end cap.
According to Sergeant Curry, the vehicle continued into the tree line before traveling into a small gully and striking a tree. The violent collision caused the car to catch fire and become completely engulfed.
The driver, a 46-year-old Winslow Township man, was trapped and later extricated by Winslow Township Fire & Rescue.
Sergeant Curry said he sustained severe injuries in the crash and was flown to Temple Trauma Center in Philadelphia, PA, for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation.