September 4, 2023 Plane Crash and Wildfire Update
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Lacey Township Police Department is confirming that one person has died in a small, private airplane crash that took place in the wooded area of Lacey Township, east of Robert J. Miller Airpark. The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed at this time.
The Lacey Township Police Department was notified of a smoke condition off of Dover Road and West Lacey Road shortly before midnight on Saturday September 2, 2023. Several fire agencies from our area initially responded to the scene, including the Manitou Park and Bamber Lake Fire Departments, as well as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
As the investigation continued into the smoke condition, a small airplane crash was located in the area of the fire. Due to smoke and fire in the area, as well as the difficult terrain, authorities could not immediately access the scene of the airplane crash. The fire continued to spread, at which time the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service activated their personnel.
During the afternoon hours on Sunday, September 3, 2023, authorities were able to access the scene of the crash, where it was confirmed that the pilot of the airplane was deceased.
Operations related to the fire will continue in the wooded areas surrounding the Robert J. Miler Airpark for the next several days. Smoke conditions will remain in place for the next several days. The NJ Forest Fire Service does not expect the fire to grow any further in size and containment will continue to increase throughout the day. The fire is currently estimated at 70% contained. Please remain vigilant if traveling through the area. Any inquiries related to the status of the forest fire should be made directly to the NJ Forest Fire Service.
Due to the fire operations in the area, Dover Road and Mule Road remain closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. The Robert J. Miller airpark also remains closed.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were immediately notified, and are currently investigating the crash. Any inquiries related to the status of the airplane crash investigation should be made directly to the FAA Eastern Region Public Affairs Office.
The Lacey Township Police Department would like to thank all of the agencies, local fire departments, and firs aid squads that responded to assist in investigating and managing this incident. A complete list of agencies that responded to the scene will be published at a later time.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Airpark – Lacey Twp, Ocean County
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has made substantial progress in containing a wildfire burning in the area of the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Twp.
The wildfire has grown to 831 acres and is 70% contained.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
Mule Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
STRUCTURES THREATENED
25 structures threatened
Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire companies. We thank them for their assistance.
Yesterday’s Midjersey.news story:
Plane Crash Starts 831+ Acre Wildfire In Ocean County
Smoke from the 800+ acre wildfire as seen from Barnegat Light, NJ yesterday.
September 4, 2023
HAINESPORT TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The New Jersey State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying Three Individuals Wanted for Criminal Mischief
On the August 9, 2023, Bordentown Troopers responded to a Criminal Mischief complaint located in Hainesport Township, Burlington County. Troopers observed multiple graffiti markings on a statue owned by Hainesport Township, known as “Big Rusty”.
Anyone with any information or recognizes the suspects are asked to contact Trooper Joseph Couzo at Bordentown Station at 609-298-1171 x 5174.
Anonymous tips are welcome.
B00[431:430] TT[713] (13)E:G[169:0] BV[121:15] IR[L:F:80] AL:[0:0]
Victim flown by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center
September 4, 2023
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 11:00 a.m. first responders were detailed to an area north of the Route 72, Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge for a personal watercraft collision. Emergency services requested a landing zone for a medical helicopter at the Boatyard. There were reports of a 17-year-old male with a deep leg laceration and needed immediate transportation to a trauma center. There were also reports of two other injuries at the location.
No further details are available at this time.
Other area news:
Around 1:00 p.m. crews responded back to Island Beach State Park for a water rescue of three swimmers in distress in Area 19. Reports of people out of the water with the help of a surfer.
See yesterday’s story for some updates.
Swim only in areas where there are lifeguards. Stay out of the water if there are no lifeguards.
