By Crash News Writer 
Lakehurst, NJ (September 13, 2026) – Two drivers were injured after a school bus collided with a Ford F-250 and then struck a home on Union Avenue in Lakehurst.
According to the New Jersey State Police , the crash was reported at approximately 6:22 a.m. on September 10 near Lilac Street and Union Avenue. Police said John Murray Jr., 64, of Toms River, was driving a 2018 Thomas Built school bus east on Union Avenue when the bus crossed into the westbound lane while traveling around a curve.
The bus struck the rear of a 2022 white Ford F-250 driven by David Cella, 47, of Manchester. The impact caused the Ford to spin before it became disabled in the roadway. The school bus continued east, traveled off the road, and struck the front of a nearby house.
Murray and Cella both suffered minor injuries and were evaluated at a hospital. There were no students aboard the Manchester Township Schools bus, and police said no one was inside the house when it was struck.
The crash caused significant damage to the residence, which was subsequently declared unsafe for occupancy. The school bus and Ford F-250 also sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene.
Union Avenue was closed for approximately three and a half hours while emergency personnel secured the scene and officers conducted their preliminary investigation. Lakehurst police said failure to maintain a lane appeared to be the primary contributing factor. Officer Gavin Riedinger is investigating the accident, and anyone with additional information has been asked to contact Lakehurst police.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information provided by local authorities and may be updated as investigators obtain additional information. Readers with questions about the claims process or other common issues following a collision can review frequently asked questions in New Jersey .
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