Mountainside Police said at approximately 9:17 a.m. today, multiple calls were received reporting a severe motor vehicle accident on Route 22 East near the intersection of Mill Lane.
Upon arrival, police found a 2011 Mazda traveling the correct direction on Route 22 occupied by a 60-year-old Mountainside resident struck head-on by a 2000 Honda CRV occupied by a 23-year-old Plainfield resident.
Police say the Honda had been traveling the wrong direction on Route 22 from as far away as Union Township until it crashed head-on.
Mountainside and Springfield Fire Departments extricated the 60-year-old victim from his vehicle.
Both victims were transported to University Hospital in Newark by Mountainside and Springfield rescue squads.
At this time, both victims, though seriously injured, are expected to survive.
The operator traveling the wrong direction was charged with 4th Degree Assault by Auto, which could be upgraded pending the return of toxicology reports in addition to motor vehicle summons.
IMAGE CREDIT: Mountainside Police