TOMS RIVER &mdash A Toms River woman, who was on her way home with her husband after a minor car accident, was killed when their pickup truck was hit head-on by a van, which police say was driven by a drunk driver.

Ed McCarthy, 74, was driving his wife Jean, 71, west on Route 70 when they were hit by a van making a left turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from Route 70 East, according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

Abel Hernandez, 28, of Lake wood, allegedly fled the scene and was apprehended within the hour, Mastronardy said.

Hernandez is charged with being an unlicensed driver, reckless driving, death by auto, leaving the scene of an injury accident, and driving under the influence along with other He was taken to Ocean County Jail in lieu of $175,000 bail.Hernandez is also being held on a detainer from ICE motor vehicle charges, Mastronardy said.

McCarthy’s first accident took place at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 70. She struck the rear of a car that was being operated by a 73 year old Manchester Township woman who was slowing in traffic, police said.

Her husband, who is in serious condition at Jersey Shore Hospital, picked her up from the scene, less than a mile from their home.