Guillermo Mollins hurt in wrong-way crash on New Jersey Turnpike

Ford pickup truck traveled south in northbound lanes near milepost 117.8

January 03, 2026 | Ridgefield Park, NJ

A wrong-way driver caused a fatal two-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday morning, resulting in one death and serious injuries to 39-year-old Guillermo Mollins of Poughkeepsie, New York.

Guillermo Mollins, 39, of Poughkeepsie, New York, was seriously injured when a wrong-way Ford pickup struck his Honda on the New Jersey Turnpike.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident occurred around 2:57 a.m. near milepost 117.8 when a southbound Ford pickup truck entered the northbound lanes and collided head-on with a northbound Honda sedan driven by Mollins. The truck then struck a concrete barrier.

• Date and Time: Jan. 3, early morning at approximately 2:57 a.m.
• Location: New Jersey Turnpike, Ridgefield Park, near milepost 117.8
• Vehicles Involved: Ford pickup truck, wrong-way driver, and Honda sedan, Mollins
• Victims:

  • Guillermo Mollins, 39, from Poughkeepsie, NY – seriously injured and hospitalized
  • 44-year-old male from Pennsylvania, truck driver – deceased at the scene

• Agency: New Jersey State Police investigating

Mollins was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of severe injuries. The Pennsylvania man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Happen?

Wrong-way driving incidents often stem from factors like impairment, disorientation, or signage issues. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), up to 75% of wrong-way crashes involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In New Jersey, traffic fatalities remain a significant concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 695 deaths and numerous injuries from crashes in 2024.

Legal Insights

Newsline's national legal analyst, Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes.

"In cases such as this, it is essential to reconstruct the accident to identify all vehicles involved and determine the circumstances or the driver at fault," Finkelstein said. "Insurance companies are never on the side of victims injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. According to the Insurance Research Institute, on average, an injured person who receives help from a lawyer ends up receiving three and a half times more money than those who do not."

Key takeaways from the analysis:

• Competent legal representation protects victims' rights during investigations.
• Avoid giving statements to insurance companies immediately after a crash, as shock may affect outcomes.
• Auto accidents can lead to profound physical, mental, emotional, and economic consequences for victims and families.
• Hiring an attorney early guides through the process and maximizes potential recovery.

Pending investigation results, individuals like Mollins may pursue personal injury claims. Such claims address not only medical costs but also long-term effects on health, finances, and quality of life.

"People involved in auto accidents suffer unimaginable consequences in the form of mental and physical pain, and in cases of fatalities, families are left devastated," added Finkelstein. "It is always recommended not to give statements right away to insurance companies. You might be in shock, and anything said may lower the chances of justice. Hiring an attorney is the best route to protect your rights."

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