Location: US 113 north of SR 16, 1 mile north of Ellendale
Date of Occurrence: Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
Delaware State Police are investigating a four car crash that killed a 75 year-old man from Ocean View.
The crash occurred when Sergey Danilenko, 36, of Georgetown, was driving a 2002 Toyota Highlander, north of US 113. Danilenko was traveling behind a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier operated by Heather Garritson, 22, of Lincoln. Both vehicles were in the left lane. Danilenko was attempting to pass the Cavalier on the right. As Danilenko moved into the right lane and accelerated, he approached a box truck which was also in the right lane. Danilenko cut back into the left lane in front of Garritson’s car and struck the front of it with the rear of his Toyota Highlander. Both vehicle began to go out of control and crossed into the southbound lane where they both collided with a 2007 Lincoln MKZ which was traveling in the left southbound lane. The Lincoln was operated by a 75 year-old man from Ocean View. After the impact by both vehicle, the Lincoln was pushed into the right lane where it was struck a third time by a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier traveling in the southbound right hand lane of US 113. The 2003 Cavalier was operated by Rhonda Brown, 47, of Ellendale.
As a result of the crash the 75 year-old operator of the Lincoln was pronounced dead at the scene. Danilenko was flown to Christiana Hospital with internal injuries. He is listed in stable condition. Garritson was transported to Milford Memorial Hospital where she was treated with minor injuries. In addition to Rhonda Brown, Patricia Brown, 70, and Gregory Pianka, 28, were also taken to Milford Memorial Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. A 3 year-old girl, who was also in the Cavalier operated by Brown, was flown to A.I. DuPont Hospital Children in Rockland, DE, where she was treated for a skull fracture. Her condition is unknown at this time.
Due to the damage of the Highlander, it is unknown if Danilenko was wearing his seatbelt and it is unknown if alcohol is involved in the crash. All other occupants and passengers were wearing their seatbelts and the 3 year-old was in a child seat.
US 113 was closed for approximately 2 and ½ hours while the crash scene was cleared.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation is still ongoing at this time by the troopers assigned to Fatal Crash Reconstruction Unit for Sussex County.
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