Readington bicyclist in critical condition after Clinton Township truck crash

CLINTON TWP. – A tractor trailer truck cut off and struck a 25-year-old bicyclist Tuesday, sending the bicyclist to a hospital with serious injuries.

A 2015 Peterbuilt tractor trailer operated by Edward Stilip, 72, of Ocala, Fla. was traveling north on County Road 629 (Stanton-Lebanon Road) at about 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, when he attempted to turn left onto County Road 618.

As he made the turn, Stilip pulled into the path of a bicycle being driven by Anthony Blekicki, 25, of the Whitehouse Station section of Readington Township, which then crashed into the truck.

Blekicki suffered serious injuries and was flown to Morristown Memorial Hospital via helicopter for treatment. The helicopter landed in the Farm Credit Union parking lot at the intersection of County Road 618 and Route 31.

Blekicki was listed in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokesman from Morristown Medical Center.

Both Stilip and witnesses advised that sun glare, which hampered visibility, was a contributing factor to the crash. Sgt. Thomas DeRosa, Sgt. Mathew Wilson, Patrolman Harry Bugal, and Patrolman Andrew McCluskey of Clinton Township Police were at the scene.

No summonses have yet been issued, but the crash is still under investigation by the Clinton Township Police.

Paramedics from the Hunterdon Medical Center, the Annandale Hose Company and the Clinton Rescue Squad assisted at the scene.