Newark – Just after 6:40 this morning rescue crews from Aetna, Hose, Hook, and Ladder, along with members of the Christiana Fire Company, New Castle County Police and Newark Police responded to Route 896 and West Chestnut Hill Road for an accident with multiple injuries.
Upon arrival, crews reported that one patient was trapped and several others were injured.
Trooper 4 (Delaware State Police Aviation) was dispatched to the scene but was not utilized for transport.
Newark Police released the following statement:
Newark Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash involving a DART bus at the intersection of South College Avenue (SR 896) and West Chestnut Hill Road. The intersection is shut down completely for east/west traffic. Southbound South College Avenue is shut down at Christina Parkway (SR 4). Northbound South College Avenue traffic is flowing slowly.
The Newark Police Department Traffic Unit is on the scene to investigate the crash and the roadways are expected to be closed for an extended period of time.
The crash involves a DART bus and another vehicle. At least seven (7) patients have been transported to area hospitals, including one patient who was transported by helicopter in serious condition.
The investigation is in its early stages and further information will be released at a later time.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area and to expect delays.
Aetna released the following statement:
At 0643 hours the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company was dispatched to the intersection of South College Avenue and West Chestnut Hill Road for a motor vehicle collision with injuries. As units responded, New Castle County 911 advised that the incident involved a bus with one patient not alert adding New Castle County Paramedics to the response. Crews arrived to find a 2 vehicle collision with one subject trapped and 6 additional patients with minor injuries on the bus. A Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared bringing ambulances from University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit and Christiana Fire as well as additional ALS resources to the scene. The entrapped patient was quickly extricated and was transported in critical condition by ALS and BLS to Christiana Hospital. The 6 additional patients were transported by BLS. Newark Delaware Police Department is handling the investigation and Deputy Chief Schall had Newark Command.
Update: 8:35 a.m. crews have reopened the road.
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