Published Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000
HERMITAGE
Car-van crash injures 1 driver criticallySeveral people were hurt when a car smashed into an oncoming van at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday near Holy Cross Orthodox Church on Maple Drive in Hermitage, police said.
The driver of the northbound car, Jean E. Yates, 32, of New Castle, was operated on yesterday for injuries suffered in the crash, police said. Ms. Yates was in critical condition this morning at UPMC Horizon, Farrell, a hospital spokesperson said.
Police said they were waiting to talk with Ms. Yates to determine why her car crossed the centerline into the van's path.
The driver of the van and two of the four passengers were hurt in the crash, police said. The van is owned by the Verland Foundation, which operates a group home for the mentally retarded on Hasenflu Drive in Hermitage.
Driver Jennifer Rodgers, 32, of Lot 54, Pine Grove Mobile Home Park, Mercer, and passenger Cathy Likens, 34, of 201 First Ave., Sharon, were treated at the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System, a hospital spokesperson said. Passenger Debra Barr, 41, of 687 Hasenflu Drive, Hermitage, was in fair condition this morning at the hospital, the spokesperson added.