***UPDATE CRASH INFORMATION***

Location: Westbound DE Rt. 273 west of Harmony Road, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 11:55 a.m.

Operators/Vehicles:

Operator #1: Yury Bahena, 19, New Castle, DE

Vehicle #1: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

Operator #2: Penny Thayer, 39, Middletown, DE

Vehicle #2: 2009 Blue Bird School Bus (Unoccupied)

Resume:   

Newark- The Delaware State Police are investigating a two vehicle crash in which a school bus struck gas pumps that occurred late this morning in Newark. 

The incident occurred as Penny Thayer, 39, was operating a 2009 school bus and was traveling westbound in the right hand lane of DE Rt. 273 approaching S. Harmony Road in Newark. Thayer then began entering into the left hand lane of Rt. 273 westbound where the left side of her bus then struck the right front side of a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt that was being operated by Yury Bahena, 19. Penny Thayer’s bus then veered sharply to the left where it crossed the center median of the roadway and entered the eastbound lanes of Rt. 273. The bus then entered into the parking lot of the Getty Fuel Station located at 1147 Christiana Road, where it came to rest after striking a set of fuel pumps which started a fire. Penny Thayer was able to back the bus a safe distance away from the pumps. The fire was eventually extinguished by members the responding fire company.

Yury Bahena, Penny Thayer, and a 43 year old female passenger in Bahena’s vehicle, were all transported from the scene to the Christiana Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. Penny Thayer was cited by police for following too closely as well as driving on a suspended operator’s license. 

Released Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.

DSP News Release:  Vehicle Strikes Gas Pumps after Collision

Location: Getty Gas Station, DE Rt. 273 and Harmony Road, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Operators/Vehicles:  Unknown at this time.

Resume:   

Newark- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a two vehicle crash in which one of the vehicles involved then struck the fuel pumps at a gas station. Initial information is that a vehicle and an unloaded school bus are involved in the crash. It is unknown if there are any injuries at this time. DE Rt. 273 eastbound lanes are closed at this time and commuters are advised to expect delays in the area.

The investigation into this crash is just beginning. More information will be released upon completion of the investigation.

Released Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.