Head-on collision on Independence Blvd Wednesday

A head-on collision led to major traffic backups Wednesday morning in Wilmington.

The accident happened around 7:00 a.m. on Independence Boulevard between 17th Street and Carolina Beach Road. Investigators said Wayne Gilmore swerved over the yellow line and hit two oncoming cars head on.

Gilmore and one other driver went to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Gilmore, who police said had taken pain medication and Xanax, is charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving.