DSP News Release:  Greenwood Woman Cited in 4 Vehicle Crash/ Seven Injured

Location: 

• US 13 N/B and E/B SR 20 Seaford Delaware 

DATE and TIME:  

• Thursday July 21, 2011 3:46 p.m.

Operators and Vehicle Information:

• Melinda S. Nichols-34 Greenwood, De
• 1995 Maroon Chevrolet C15 pickup

• Michael T. Mahetta-45 Seaford, De
• 2000 Beige Chevrolet Silverado

• Francis B. Lecates-60 Laurel, De
• 2001 Maroon Chevrolet pickup truck

• Jean Robert Sainphard-39 Bridgeville, De
• 1994 Toyota Camry

Driver Cited:  

• Melinda S. Nichols-34 Greenwood, De
• Failure to Stop at a Red light
• Released

Resume:

Seaford-Delaware State Police Thursday afternoon investigated a 4 vehicle crash which sent 7 people to the emergency room for treatment.  The crash occurred at the intersection of US 13 northbound and SR 20 eastbound Seaford Delaware around 3:46 p.m.

The crash began when a 1995 Chevrolet pickup driven by Melinda S. Nichols-34 of Greenwood Delaware disregarded a red light.  Nichols’ pickup truck struck a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Michael T. Mahetta-45 of Seaford Delaware in the passenger’s side. 

Mahetta’s pickup was spun around resulting in it striking a 2001 Chevrolet pickup that was stopped facing westbound on SR 20.  The 2001 pickup was driven by Francis B. Lecates-60 of Laurel Delaware.  Lecates’ vehicle was pushed backwards into the front end of a 1994 Toyota Camry driven by Jean Robert Sainphard of Seaford that was stopped directly behind Lecates’ truck. 

There were seven individuals transported to Nanticoke Hospital for treatment of multiple back strains and contusions.  None of the injuries are considered life-threatening. 

State Police cited Nichols with Failure to stop at a Red Light and released her on her own recognizance.