Former Real Housewives of New York star Jill Zarin was hospitalized in New York City after a terrifying car crash this afternoon, RadarOnline.com has learned.

Sources close to Zarin told Radar the star, 51, was in “a major car accident” as she rode in the back seat of her car service on the FDR in New York City at 1pm ET.

A source said, “Jill was in the car with her publicist on her way to promote her film, Night of the Wild, when the driver slammed on the brakes and crashed into a three-car pile up!”

Another insider added, “The car was going about 30 mph but Jill wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.”

Zarin was unconscious at the scene and hospitalized, but was back at home in NYC by 3 ET, suffering from back pain and slight tingling down her spine. She told Radar, “The lesson from all of this is always wear your seatbelt!”

Story developing.