Crime & Safety

East Brunswick Woman Still in Critical Condition After Friday Morning Car Accident

Victim suffered serious head injuries and several broken bones.

An East Brunswick woman is still in critical condition as a result of

Margaret Smith, 77, suffered serious head injuries and several broken bones in the crash.

According to South Brunswick Police, Matthew Carvin, 20, of Yardville, was headed north on Route 535 in a 2004 Ford Explorer at approximately 8 a.m. when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck three vehicles. Carvin's vehicle rolled on top of Smith’s vehicle and trapped her, police said. The Explorer then flipped on its side and struck a 2001 Toyota and a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. 

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Smith had to be extricated from her vehicle by the Monmouth Junction Fire Department and she was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick by Kendall Park First Aid. 

The driver of the Toyota, Maria Stanislawski, 52, of Brick, was transported by Monroe EMS to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital suffering from non-life threatening injuries. 

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, John Trader Jr., 33, of Spotswood, was uninjured in the crash.

The subsequent investigation by the South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau determined that Carvin was traveling too fast at the time of the crash, causing him to cross over the double yellow lines before striking the oncoming vehicles, according to police.

Carvin was issued a motor vehicle summons for careless driving, failure to stay in his lane, and speeding. 

Route 535 was closed from Deans Hall Road to Ridge Road for more than two hours following the accident, which caused traffic backup on numerous side streets. The road was reopened at about 10:30 a.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.