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2 killed after car crashes through 2nd floor of N.J. building

Firefighters from four agencies responded to the scene where a car flew into the air after striking an embankment, hitting the second story of a building

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Firefighters inspect a car that crashed into the second story of a building in New Jersey Sunday morning.

Photo/Ed Murray, NJ Advance Media

Jenna Wise
The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa.

Two people were killed Sunday morning after a red Porsche went airborne and crashed into the second floor of a commercial building in Toms River, police said.

Police identified the victims as Braden DeMartin, 22, and Daniel Foley, 23, both of Toms River.

DeMartin was driving a red 2010 Porsche Boxter convertible at a high rate of speed northbound on Hooper Avenue when it lost control, crossed over the roadway and hit an embankment, said Jillian Messina, a spokeswoman for the Toms River Police Department. The car then plunged into the second story of building on the southbound side of Hooper Avenue.

Foley was a passenger in the vehicle. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash, which happened around 6:30 a.m., occurred near the intersection of Indian Hill. Skid marks could be seen across four lanes of the road leading up to the building.

The vehicle lodged into the second story of Exit Realty, Messina said. The building also houses three other businesses, including a counseling service.

The car was removed just after 12 p.m.

The building was unoccupied at the time of the crash, according to Sgt. Vincent Pedalino.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, who visited the scene, said his office will not be taking the lead on the investigation.

A crowd of about two dozen people gathered at the scene to watch as firefighters pulled the vehicle from the building.

Firefighters from Brick, Laurelton Fire Company, Silverton Fire Company and the Toms River Fire Department are at the scene.

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©2019 The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.)

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