Union Police: Dodge Charger Hit Several Cars Before Deadly Head-On Crash

Union police released details about Thursday evening's series of crashes on Morris Avenue, saying the driver of a Dodge Charger struck multiple vehicles before crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding head-on with another vehicle.

The crashes occurred at approximately 5 p.m., with the most serious collision taking place on westbound Morris Avenue near Colonial Avenue.

Investigators said a Dodge Charger operated by a 71-year-old Union resident struck multiple vehicles between the Lowe's shopping center and the BP gas station, causing minor property damage but no reported injuries from those initial strikes.

The Charger then continued eastbound in the westbound lanes of Morris Avenue at a high rate of speed before colliding head-on with a Toyota Prius near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Colonial Avenue.

The driver and sole occupant of the Prius, a 66-year-old woman, was transported to University Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

A third vehicle, a Subaru sedan driven by a 24-year-old Union resident, was also struck in the crash. The Subaru driver sustained minor injuries.

The driver of the Dodge Charger was hospitalized following the crash and remains under observation.

Morris Avenue remained closed for several hours Thursday evening as members of the Union Police Department investigated the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to the crash to contact Lead Crash Investigator Officer Michael Cocca of the Union Police Department Traffic Bureau at (908) 851-5070.

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FAQ

Q: What happened on Morris Avenue in Union on July 31?
A: A Dodge Charger operated by a 71-year-old Union resident struck multiple vehicles and then crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a Toyota Prius near Morris Avenue and Colonial Avenue at approximately 5 p.m.

Q: Who was killed in the crash?
A: A 66-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the Toyota Prius, was transported to University Hospital where she died from her injuries.

Q: How many vehicles were involved?
A: Three vehicles were involved: a Dodge Charger, a Toyota Prius, and a Subaru sedan.

Q: What were the injuries?
A: The 66-year-old Prius driver was killed. A 24-year-old Subaru driver sustained minor injuries. The initial vehicles struck by the Charger between Lowe's and the BP gas station reported no injuries.

Q: Where did the initial strikes occur?
A: The Dodge Charger struck multiple vehicles between the Lowe's shopping center and the BP gas station on Morris Avenue, causing minor property damage.

Q: What happened after the initial strikes?
A: The Charger continued eastbound in the westbound lanes of Morris Avenue at a high rate of speed before colliding head-on with the Toyota Prius near Morris Avenue and Colonial Avenue.

Q: What happened to the Charger driver?
A: The 71-year-old Charger driver was hospitalized following the crash and remains under observation.

Q: Was Morris Avenue closed?
A: Yes, Morris Avenue remained closed for several hours Thursday evening as Union Police investigated the crash.

Q: Is the investigation complete?
A: No, the investigation is ongoing. Police are seeking witnesses or anyone with information related to the crash.

Q: How can I report information about the crash?
A: Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information should contact Lead Crash Investigator Officer Michael Cocca of the Union Police Department Traffic Bureau at (908) 851-5070.