The Union Police Department is investigating a fatal accident which occurred on Manor Drive near the intersection of Westminster Drive in Union on Saturday at approximately 1:24 a.m.
The two-vehicle head on crash resulted in the death of 66-year-old Marie Alectine, of Irvington, who succumbed to her injuries Sunday.
Alectine was the front seat passenger in her friend’s car, a 2001 Nissan Murano.
Her friend, identified as Sherly Phanord, was driving Alectine and another co-worker Simonise Mervil home from the Burger King in Union where they had just gotten off from work.
The other driver, Patrick Colombo, 27, of Irvington, was operating a 2001 BMW 325.
Based on preliminary investigations, Mervil was traveling eastbound on Manor Drive when Colombo who was driving westbound crossed into Mervil’s lane at a high rate of speed and struck Mervil head on with enough force to push Mervil’s car backwards.
Both Colombo and Alectine were extricated from the vehicles.
Alectine suffered several broken ribs, arm, internal injuries and cervical fractures.
Phanord suffered a broken arm and broken leg.
Mervil sustained minor injuries.
Colombo sustained a broken leg.
All were transported to University Hospital in Newark.
Further investigation revealed that Colombo was driving while intoxicated and was arrested for three counts of aggravated assault.
Alectine succumbed to her injuries at University Hospital upgrading charges against Colombo to vehicular homicide. His bail was set at $200,000.00.
Investigators are seeking any additional information from all persons that may have witnessed the crash or its immediate aftermath.
The accident is being investigated by the Union Police Department Fatal Accident Team. The lead investigator is Officer Michael Cocca. Witnesses to this crash are asked to call the Union Police Department Traffic Bureau at (908) 851-5070.