Unlicensed Driver Causes Ambulance Accident

Two New Castle County paramedics were injured during an accident yesterday morning on Route 1 near the Christiana Mall.

According to police, the two paramedics were traveling south on Route 1 near the entrance to the Christiana Mall when they received an emergency call. The medics then turned on the vehicle’s lights and sirens and began to slow down in order to make a U-turn in the median.

A car, which was directly behind the medics, slowed and stopped as the operator yielded for the emergency vehicle in the left lane. Unfortunately, the second vehicle, a Ford Aerostar minivan being driven by Manuel Lopez, 21, of Newark, failed to stop and struck the first stopping car. It then traveled onto the median where it struck the driver’s side of the paramedic vehicle.

Everyone was transported to the Christiana Hospital where they were each treated for minor injuries.

Lopez has been charged with driving without a license, following too closely and inattentive driving. He remains hospitalized with minor injuries. The two New Castle County paramedics were both treated and released.