By: Richard L. Smith
NJ State Police officials are investigating the cause of a highway crash that injured two women in Morris County Saturday afternoon.
According to a statement released by NJSP Sergeant Philip Curry, the crash happened at 1:59 pm on I-80 eastbound mile marker 48.3 in Montville.
Sergeant Curry said a preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Avalon was traveling westbound on I-80. In the area of milepost 48.3, Sergeant Curry said the Toyota ran off the roadway's left side, crossed through the center median, and impacted and traveled over a metal guardrail.
According to Sergeant Curry, the Toyota entered the eastbound roadway, impacting the left rear of an International box truck traveling eastbound.
The Toyota was then impacted by the front of a Nissan NV, also traveling eastbound.
Sergeant Curry said the two occupants of the Toyota, an 18-year-old female passenger from Paterson, and a 26-year-old female driver from Elmwood Park, were ejected during the collision and sustained severe injuries.
They were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
The drivers of the Nissan and International reported minor non-life-threatening injuries. Heavy traffic occurred after the eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for approximately 3.5 hours. Traffic was diverted to the right shoulder, Sergeant Curry said.
The crash remains under investigation.