Three Cars Involved in Afternoon Crash

The driver of a Nissan Altima heading westbound on South Orange Avenue, apparently crossed into oncoming traffic an ultimately caused a three-car accident that sent himself and another driver to the hospital.

Livingston Police responded to South Orange Avenue about 400 feet away from West Kennedy Parkway shortly after the 1:50 p.m. accident.

According to a preliminary report, the driver of the first car, Thomas Prahst, 32, of Randolph crossed a double yellow line on South Orange Avenue and headed into oncoming traffic. He struck a 2005 Lexus head-on that was being driven eastbound by 87-year-old Walter Daniels of Maplewood.

After striking Daniels' car, Prahst then struck a third car, a Ford 150 pick-up that was also heading eastbound being driven by Jolicdeur Angerville of Orange.

Sgt. Anthony Dippold said that Prahst had to be extricated from his car with the help of the Livingston Fire Department. The Livingston First Aid Squad and paramedics also responded to the scene.

Both Prahst Angerville had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. Prahst was taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital with serious injuries to his face and torso. Angerville was taken to Saint Barnabas Medical Center, though the extent of his injuries was unknown. Daniels was treated and released at the scene.

All three cars were towed from the scene of the accident, which also caused South Orange Avenue the to be closed for 1 1/2 hours during the investigation and clean up. Though the cause of the accident remains under investigation, Dippold said police are looking into whether the driver of the first car was under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.