State Police Investigate Crash Involving Trooper And Ambulance

Location:
Savannah Road and Gills Neck Road, Lewes, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence:
Wednesday May 30, 2012 at 11:07 a.m.

Operators and Vehicles:
Operator #1: James E. Vanvorst, Milton, DE
Vehicle #1: 2005 Ford Ambulance (owned by Lewes Fire Co.)

Operator #2: 48 year old male Delaware State Trooper assigned to Headquarters, Dover, DE
Vehicle #2: 2006 Chrysler Sebring unmarked divisional vehicle

Resume:
Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a crash involving a trooper and an ambulance that occurred earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:07 a.m. today as James E. Vanvorst, was operating a 2005 Ford Ambulance with its emergency equipment activated, travelling eastbound on Savannah Road to an emergency call at Cape Henlopen State Park. The ambulance was approaching the intersection with Gills Neck Road with a red light. At the same time, a 48 year old Delaware State Trooper was operating a 2006 Chrysler Sebring northbound on Gills Neck Road, had entered into the intersection on a green light when the ambulance struck the Sebring in the left front. The impact caused the Sebring to rotate clockwise and come to a rest on the eastbound sidewalk.

The trooper was removed from the scene by EMS and was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he was treated and released for minor injuries. James E. Vanvorst and 39 year old male passenger in his vehicle were not injured. All occupants of both vehicles were properly restrained.

Traffic in the area of Savannah Road and Front Street near the Canal Bridge was impacted for approximately an hour and a half as the crash was investigated and cleared. This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.