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Delaware State Police
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Updated Information Fatal Crash Involving Ambulance Released-Monday, January 28, 2008 Harbeson-The Delaware State Police (DSP) are releasing additional details regarding a fatal crash reported earlier today involving an ambulance and one other vehicle. The incident was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m. this morning and is currently being investigated by the DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU). Upon arrival at the scene, investigators learned a 2002 Millsboro V.F.D. Ford ambulance, operated by Frank E. Deford Jr., 32, of Seaford, Delaware was westbound on Beaver Dam Road, stopped at the intersection of Indian Mission Road, waiting to turn left. A 1999 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Michael A. Martin, 44 of Georgetown, Delaware was southbound on Indian Mission Road approaching the intersection of Beaver Dam Road. For unknown reason the Cherokee failed to negotiate a curve and exited the east edge of roadway and struck the right side of the stopped ambulance. Deford was wearing a seatbelt and sustained a head injury in the crash. He was flown to Christiana Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Martin sustained massive head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing his seatbelt. The ambulance was occupied by an attendant, Mercedes T. Berry, 47 of Ellendale, Delaware. Berry was seated in the right front seat and wearing a seatbelt. She sustained a minor back injury and was treated and released from Beebe Medical Center. A Sussex County paramedic John R. Schmitt, 41 of Lewes, Delaware occupied the rear bench seat in the ambulance and was ejected. It is unknown if Schmitt was wearing a seatbelt. Schmitt sustained multiple traumatic injuries. He was flown to Christiana Hospital and is currently in serious but stable condition. Indian Mission Road and Beaver Dam Road were closed for approximately six hours while investigators examined the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Alcohol is believed not to be a factor in the crash. ***Preliminary News Release***
Fatal Crash Involving Ambulance Released-Monday, January 28, 2008 Harbeson- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is currently investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of Beaver Dam Rd (Sussex RD 285) and Indian Mission Rd (SR 5). The incident was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m. this morning and involved an ambulance and one other vehicle. At least two other patients have been flown to Christiana Hospital with injuries. The intersection at Beaver Dam Road and Indian Mission Road is shut down. Motorists should seek alternative routes during the morning commute and delays are likely. An additional news release will be issued to the media when further details pertaining to this crash are known and confirmed. |
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| State of Delaware Home Page Last Modified: January 29, 2008. |