Delaware State Police
News Release

State Police Investigate Afternoon Crash Involving School Bus at Minos Conway Road and Coastal Highway

Released-Friday, April 25, 2008

Nassau-Earlier today, Delaware State Troopers from Troop 7 investigated a vehicle crash that sent three school age children to the hospital with minor injuries.  The crash occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Minos Conway Road and Coastal Highway just north of Lewes. 

Upon arrival at the scene, investigators learned a 1994 Pontiac Grand AM operated by Ruth Hearn, 65, of Lewes attempted a left turn onto Minos Conway Road from the northbound lane of Coastal Highway.

As the Pontiac entered the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway it was struck by a southbound 2006 Saturn VUE operated by Dorothy Orndorff, 59, of Fallston, Maryland.  

After the initial collision, both vehicles continued southbound and struck a 2004 International School bus that was stopped at the intersection of southbound Coastal Highway and Minos Conway Road.

The operator of the (Cape Henlopen School District) bus, Cynthia Baker, 56 of Milton, was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.  The bus was loaded with approximately fourteen students from Mariner Middle School.  Three of children were taken to Beebe Medical Center, treated and released for minor injuries.

Dorothy Orndorff was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.  Ruth Hearn was also wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.  Ms. Hearn was charged with Failing to Yield the Right of Way.  Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. 

The intersection of Minos Conway Road and the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway were shut down for approximately forty-five minutes while troopers examined the scene.