December 13, 2024

RE: Route 18 Accident Update

Dear Resident,

Tuesday, December 12 an accident involving a school bus and a gasoline tanker caused both lanes of Route 18 to be closed between approximately 3:00pm until 1:00am Wednesday morning.  A school bus, occupied only by the driver, was traveling Route 18 Southbound and was struck by a tractor trailer causing the tanker to overturn and spill fuel onto the highway.

The Monmouth County Health Department is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the responsible party’s contractor to ensure the cleanup of the gasoline spill from yesterday’s accident is addressed properly. If you have any environmental concerns or to report any odors as a result of yesterday’s incident please contact the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456 x 8580 or email the department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As always, our first responders were immediately on scene to begin accident investigation, ensure the safety of the surrounding area and to redirect traffic.  Responding were members of the Marlboro Township Police Department, Marlboro Township O.E.M., Marlboro First Aid Squad, Marlboro Fire Department, Robertsville Fire Department, Old Bridge Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Monmouth County HazMat, paramedics from Atlantic Health and the Department of Transportation.

Notice of the accident and resulting road closure was made via official social media channels, Neighbors app, as well as Police SWIFT 911 alerts via phone and text.  I want to take this opportunity to remind residents to register for SWIFT 911 HERE, download the app and opt-in for text messages to ensure you receive urgent notifications.  In September, 2022, I announced a partnership between ‘ring’ Doorbell app and the Marlboro Police.  The ‘Neighbors’ app is free to download and you do not need the ring doorbell or any other video security device to participate. Learn MORE.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the road closure and investigation.  Please drive safely.

Yours in community,

Mayor Jon Hornik