State of Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Division of State Police

Superintendent Robert M. Coupe

News Release: Thursday, August 20, 2009- Details Surrounding Yesterday’s Route 896 Crash Released

Location: Route 896, South of Brennen Drive, Newark, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Resume: Yesterday afternoon, Troopers and emergency personnel were dispatched to Route 896 for a four vehicle crash. 

The vehicles that were involved were as follows:

• 2007 Cadillac sedan, operated by Mark Vannicola, 21, of Townsend, Delaware
• 2005 Dodge pick up, operated by Kenneth Hardiman, 34, of Rising Sun, Maryland
• 2004 Jeep Wrangler, operated by Kimbra Cheek, 52, of Newark, Delaware
• 2008 Subaru station wagon, operated by Anne Feurer, 62, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania

The Cadillac was traveling southbound on Route 896, south of Brennan Drive, at a high rate of speed. The Dodge, Jeep and Subaru were traveling northbound, respectively.

The Cadillac suddenly swerved to the left and into the northbound lanes.  The Cadillac struck a utility trailer being hauled by the Dodge.  The Cadillac then went airborne and overturned.  It then struck the Jeep Wrangler.  This impact forced the Jeep backward and into the Subaru.

Mr. Vannicola was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries.  He was cited with DUI and Unsafe Speed. 

Mr. Hardiman was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

Ms. Kimbra was transported to Christiana Hospital where she was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

Ms. Feurer was not injured.  The roadway was shut down for approximately 2 hours. 

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