Delaware State Police
News Release

Early Morning Crash Claims Dover Woman’s Life

 

Released Monday, March 23, 2009

 

Dover – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating an early morning fatal crash that has killed a 78-year-old Dover woman.  Troopers responded to the 3-car crash today at 7:43 am on Lebanon Road (State Route 10) at Blades Drive.

 

Investigators learned a 1995 Nissan Altima, operated by Kenneth L. Owens, 18 of Dover was traveling westbound on SR 10 in the left lane approaching Blades Drive. A 2001 Ford Focus, operated by Brian A. Lucykanish, 17 of Dover was traveling westbound on SR 10 behind the Altima.

 

A 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Emily M. Thompson, 78 of Dover was stopped on Blades Drive, waiting to cross over the westbound lanes of SR 10, when she entered the roadway in the path of travel of the Altima. As a result of this act, the Altima struck the Grand Am in the left rear causing the crash.

 

After the impact, the Focus then struck the Altima eventually leaving all vehicles coming to rest in the roadway.  Because of the crash, the operator of the Pontiac Grand Am, Ms. Thompson, died at Kent General Hospital as a result of injuries sustained.  She was wearing a seatbelt.

 

The other two operators were transported to Kent General Hospital, treated, and released for minor injuries.  Currently, their seatbelt use in unknown.  Alcohol is not a factor in the crash.  The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours and has been reopened.

 

The crash remains under investigation.

 

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