Two individuals have lost their lives and one has been hospitalized following a tragic wrong-way crash on the Garden State Parkway in Bergen County.
The incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. on Friday at milepost 163.4 in Paramus.
According to State Police, a Toyota SUV collided head-on with a Honda sedan that was traveling in the wrong direction on the southbound lanes.
Sadly, the fatal crash resulted in the loss of both drivers. However, there was a glimmer of hope as a 20-year-old passenger in the Toyota survived and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
According to police reports, 55-year-old Sunday T. Ogundare was identified as the driver of the Toyota, while 38-year-old Diana J. Cruz was behind the wheel of the Honda. It was reported that both individuals were residents of Newark.
Timothy Adedoyin, a friend of Ogundare, shared that they had a conversation just two nights ago where they had a good laugh and discussed the current situation in Nigeria. Adedoyin mentioned that he was planning on seeing Ogundare over the upcoming weekend. Sadly, this would be the last conversation he would have with his friend.
According to state police, it remains unclear how Cruz managed to end up on the parkway, driving in the opposite direction. Additionally, they are uncertain if drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
Elizabeth Ayoola expressed her sorrow by stating that the unforeseen event was a tragedy for the family.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the events that led up to the crash.
