An early afternoon crash left three people dead on Route 9 in Old Bridge police reported.
According to authorities the crash happened on Route 9 and Route 516 at around 1 p.m.
Authorities said a 45-year-old man from Howell Township, was driving his Ford Escape south on Route 9 when he crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a Honda Accord with four people inside.
The man, along with the driver of the Accord -- a 37-year-old woman from Freehold, New Jersey were killed authorities said.
Police said of the three passengers in the Accord, a 62-year-old man died, an 86-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
A 62-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Police continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.