Two motorcyclist riders were injured today after a ground hog in the roadway caused them to swerve, and be ejected from their vehicle, police say.

At 11:19 am police and medical units responded to Route 70 and Crescent Drive for a motor vehicle crash, and upon arrival located a 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle on its side in the roadway with two people on the ground.

Cpl. Frank Palino of the Toms River Police Department determined that John Mura 2nd, of Toms River was traveling west on Route 70 when he swerved to avoid a ground hog that had darted into the road. The motorcycle skidded and fell over onto its side. He was ejected as well as his passenger Marie Mura.

John, age 56, was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and Marie is being treated at Community Medical Center. There is no current information on the condition of either rider.

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