Driver Killed in Head-on Crash in Lacey

A driver is dead after crossing the center line on Route 539 in Lacey Township Tuesday afternoon and striking a Surf City Municipal truck head-on, according to authorities. 

The Press of Atlantic City reports a female passenger traveling with the unidentified male driver had to be flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with undisclosed injuries. The truck driver was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released from Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township.

It's unclear what caused the Nissan to cross into oncoming traffic around 2:52 p.m., however, initial reports from police indicate a burgundy vehicle was driving recklessly and passed the Nissan just before the collision. Authorities are investigating whether that vehicle contributed to the crash.

Both ways of Route 539 were closed from Route 72 in Barnegat to Harry Wright Boulevard in Manchester.