By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic motor vehicle accident in Clifton early Sunday morning claimed the life of a 17-year-old passenger, authorities confirmed. 
According to a statement released by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Clifton Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi, officers responded to the scene at the intersection of Lakeview Avenue and Crooks Avenue at approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 2.
Upon arrival, police discovered that a 2008 Honda Accord, carrying four occupants, had collided with a 2011 Mazda CX-9, which had a single occupant.
Tragically, one of the passengers in the Honda Accord, a 17-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The exact circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and investigators are actively working to determine the cause.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the condition of the other individuals involved. 
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office encourages those with additional details to contact their tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO.