Driver Facing DWI Charges in Crash That Injured 6

The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that sent six people to the hospital Monday, including a 15-year-old passenger who remains in critical condition, may face DWI charges, according to

The accident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. Monday morning on Route 23 South at the Smoke Rise turnaround, Lt. John Schwartz said. Schwartz said six youths from Clifton were in the car and, according to NorthJersey.com, the vehicle was being driven by 18-year-old Marco Peralta.

Read the full story from NorthJersey.com here.

When police arrived on the scene, Schwartz said four of the vehicle's occupants were sitting on the ground while Peralta was in the backseat, trying to aide the unconscious 15-year-old who suffered a head injury.

Schwartz said the vehicle smashed into the Route 23 guardrail and overturned after leaving the roadway and sliding across the grass. The 15-year-old suffered the most serious injuries, although all of the occupants of the vehicle were transported to Morristown Medical Center by and the West Milford First Aid Squad, Schwartz said. A medevac helicopter was initially to be requested to transport the boy to the hospital, but because of poor weather, was not available.

As of Monday night, Schwartz said the 15-year-old remained in critical condition. A call to Morristown Medical Center in regards to the status of the 15-year-old was not immediately returned Tuesday.

"At this time it appears that alcohol and reckless driving are contributing factors in the accident," Schwartz said in a press release Tuesday morning.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and charges are pending.

The , and paramedics from Chilton Hospital also assisted at the scene. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office and Morris County Sheriff's Department are also assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information about the crash should call the Kinnelon Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-838-5400.