The intersection of Ontario street and Meadowvale dr. in St. Catharines was closed most of the day as police investigated a crash between a Ford Escape and a Buick Century.

A 54-year-old Niagara Falls woman who was driving the Buick was taken to hospital in critical condition. Her passenger, a 64-year-old woman also from the Falls, was taken to hospital in stable condition.

40-year-old Ocean Fairchild of Sherkston near Port Colborne was behind the wheel of the Ford Escape and has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm.

The driver of the Buick was travelling southbound on Ontario street while the Ford was travelling northbound. Police say the driver of the Ford crossed two lanes of traffic before smashing head on with the Buick. Police believe both alcohol and speed are to blame for the crash.

Roads reopened shortly after 2 this afternoon. Fairchild was also taken to hospital for injuries and released into police custody.