Three hurt in head-on chain crash in Stafford

Three drivers are recovering from a Friday head-on chain collision on Route 9 in Stafford Township, and police say that charges are likely to ensue.

According to investigators, at about 3 PM on May 27, James Ramirez, 35, of Forked River, was decelerating his Mini Cooper as he approached a traffic buildup on the southbound side near Silo Road.

Police said that a Saturn Vue driven by McKayla Wechkus, 17, of Manahawkin, plowed into the back of Ramirez's car, propelling it into the northbound lane, too late to avoid crashing into an oncoming Honda CR-V driven by Mervat Salib, 56, of Barnegat.

Detours around the crash site stayed in place for about 30 minutes. Ramirez and Salib were treated at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin. Police said they are expected to be released. Wechkus was treated for minor injuries at Community Medical Center in Toms River, police said.