NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (5/31/2016) Seven people, including six Colonial School District students, were injured in the crash of an SUV and pickup truck near New Castle this morning, authorities said.
The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. on West Basin Road (Route 141) just west of U.S. 13 and adjacent to New Castle Airport.
A southbound 2005 Ford Escape SUV carrying the six teenage students collided with the northbound 2001 Toyota Tundra pickup.
Delaware State Police said Abdussabur Tonic, 16, of Wilmington, was driving the SUV in the left lane when it struck the median and crossed into the oncoming lanes, striking the front of the Toyota.
A 17-year-old girl was trapped in the SUV about 45 minutes until extricated by firefighters.
All seven were treated at the scene by New Castle County paramedics and then taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital in Stanton, police said.
The driver of the Tundra, Marshall Weeks, 57, of New Castle, and the others involved had injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.
Colonial School District administrators confirmed six students were involved but did not release their names. Officials said one is in the 12th grade, three in the 11th and two in the 10th grade. Five of the students attend William Penn High School at 713 E. Basin Road and the other attends the adjacent Wallin School. Five students were said to be in fair condition and the sixth was treated and released.
Tonic was charged with failure to remain in a lane of travel, no proof of motor vehicle insurance, expired registration and driving without a valid operator’s license.
Northbound Route 141 was closed about 2.5 hours as police investigated and the wreckage was cleared.
Minquadale, Wilmington Manor and Delaware Air National Guard firefighters responded.
