By: Tracie Carter
A woman was killed and another driver was injured after a wrong-way motorist triggered a series of crashes on Morris Avenue in Union Thursday evening, according to police.
Union Township Police Captain Rubel said the crashes began at approximately 5 p.m. on June 25 when a 71-year-old Union resident driving a Dodge Challenger traveled eastbound in the westbound lanes of Morris Avenue.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Challenger struck several vehicles between the Lowe’s shopping center and the BP gas station, causing minor property damage but no reported injuries.
The most serious collision occurred near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Colonial Avenue, where the Challenger, still traveling the wrong way at a high rate of speed, slammed head-on into a Toyota Prius.
The 66-year-old woman driving the Prius was transported to University Hospital, where she later died from her injuries, police said.
A third vehicle, a Subaru sedan driven by a 24-year-old Union resident, was also struck.
That driver suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger was taken to a hospital and remains under observation.
Following the crash, Union Police closed Morris Avenue between the Lowe’s shopping center and Colonial Avenue while members of the department’s Traffic Bureau processed the scene and continued the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Lead Crash Investigator Officer Michael Cocca of the Union Police Department Traffic Bureau at (908) 851-5070.