TOMS RIVER – Toms River Police have confirmed two fatalities and three injuries, one critical, in the 2-car accident that has shut down Route 37 East on Monday afternoon.

Sgt. Ron Sermarini told Jersey Shore Online that the survivor was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. The names of the deceased have not been released to the public yet.

Sermarini said the cause of the crash is still under investigation, and that no other information was available at this time. He is asking the motorists to avoid the area of Route 37 and Hospital Drive.

The crash happened shortly after 12 noon on Route 37 East at Hospital Drive. Pictures from Ocean County Scanner News show a vehicle on its side.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department issued a Nixle alert at around 12:31 p.m. today to avoid the area.

This is a breaking story. We will keep you updated on any further developments.