HARTLY, Del. – Delaware State Police are investigating an early morning crash between a car and a farm tractor north of Hartly.
Troopers said the accident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. Friday as William Szelestei, 52, of Hartly, was operating a 1983 John Deere tractor pulling a soybean planter eastbound on Fords Corner Road, south of Everetts Corner Road. Troopers said Szelestei was attempting to slow to a stop and pull to the right as he saw an approaching vehicle driven by Patrick M. Grubb, 22, of Clayton. Police said Grubb was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Impala westbound on Fords Corner Road and failed to see the farm equipment across the road, hitting the soybean planter with the front of the car. Investigators said the impact caused the car to under ride the planter equipment and stop with one of the trailer tires going into the driver’s side compartment.
The Hartly Volunteer Fire Company had to extricate Grubb from the Impala. He was flown to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently listed in fair condition. Szelestei was not injured, police said.
Troopers are continuing their investigation into the incident and no charges have been filed. They say visibility may have been a contributing factor in the crash due to low light.
Fords Corner Road between Everetts Corner and Gibbs Chapel roads was closed for about one and a half hours Friday while the crash was investigated and cleared.
