Two people were taken to area hospitals following a crash Friday morning near the intersection of Route 524A and Daybreak Court.

Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd of the Howell Police Department reported that around 7:20 in the morning 51-year-old Howell resident Victor Benis was driving north on Route 524A in his 1999 Honda Civic. At the same time 19-year-old Howell resident Alex Smith was attempting to make a left when he struck Benis' car. 

The collision caused "heavy damage" to Benis' car according to Dodd particularly to the front door and fender on the drivers side. Benis was removed from the car by the Squankum Fire Department and was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by the Howell Police EMS and MONOC paramedics.

Dodd said Benis reported injuring his left leg, pelvis, shoulder and chest area in the crash. Also in the car was 18-year-old Nicole Benis who was taken to the same hospital by the Ramtown First Aid Squad for "general pain," according to Dodd.

Smith was reportedly not injured. He told police his windshield had frosted over due to the cold weather and he was attempting to turn onto Daybreak Court to allow the window to defrost. It was while making the turn that he hit Benis' car. He was issued summonses for careless driving and making an improper lane change. 

Ptl. Scott Brooks is investigating the accident.