A medical episode is to blame for a vehicle going airborne before landing in the woods in Manchester, police say.

On Saturday, March 8, at approximately 2:00pm officers of the Manchester Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of State Highway Route 70 and Colonial Drive for the report of a single vehicle crash into a wooded area.

Upon arrival officers observed a blue 2016 Kia Sportage located approximately 60 feet into a heavily wooded area near the intersection.

The driver of the Kia, identified as a 71-year-old from Whiting, NJ was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ with multiple upper body injuries. She did not appear to have her seatbelt on at the time of the crash, however she is listed in stable condition at this time.

The preliminary crash investigation revealed that the Kia was traveling eastbound on State Highway Route 70 when it departed the roadway and briefly went airborne upon entering the woods. The vehicle struck several small trees and bushes before coming to a complete stop.

The crash was also observed by witnesses who assisted officers in the investigation.

Assisting at the scene were EMT’s from the Manchester Division of Emergency Services, Fire Fighters from Station 32 Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, and Station 34 Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Life Flight. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, a medical episode appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Keith Douglas of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.