The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

October 27, 2009

UPDATE: 4 injured in chain-reaction crash involving 5 vehicles

By Courtney L. Anderson

HERMITAGE — Four people were hurt Tuesday in a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles around 11:05 a.m. on state Route 18 near Middle School Road in Hermitage, police said.

A southbound vehicle driven by Perry D. Cook, 68, of Meadville, hit the rear of a vehicle driven by Stephen Bucci, 66, of 1335 E. State St., Sharon, police said. Bucci was stopped for a red light.

That set off a chain reaction and vehicles driven by Jeffrey A. Sherman, 43, of 124 N. 2nd St., Greenville, Jennifer J. Taylor, 37, of 21 Willow Drive, New Wilmington, and Michael Fennell, 41, of Sharpsville, were involved, police said.

Cook was seriously injured and taken to UPMC Horizon, Farrell, police said. A hospital nursing supervisor said Tuesday night Cook wasn’t listed as a patient.

Bucci had to be removed from his vehicle by Hermitage firefighters, police said.

Bucci, Sherman and Ms. Taylor were all taken to the hospital at Sharon Regional Health System, police said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, police did not know the extent of the other drivers’ injuries but said none appeared to be life-threatening.

A hospital spokeswoman said Sherman was treated and that Ms. Taylor and Bucci were not listed as patients.

Police did not say if anyone would face charges.