Sparta man involved in multi-car collision

Hamburg-On July 13, at around 3:47 p.m., a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser operated by Matthew M. VanKooten, 17, of Vernon, was stopped in traffic on Route 23 by Oak Street, when his vehicle was struck from behind by a 1993 Toyota pick-up truck being operated by James M. Wakkila, 33, of Hardyston. Vankooten's vehicle was pushed into a 2002 Chevy that was being operated by George Wortche, 40, of Wantage. Wortche's vehicle was then pushed into a 2002 Dodge Caravan that was being operated by Paul Paulson, 77, of Sparta. A 16-year-old passenger In Vankooten's vehicle complained of pain to her head. She and Vankooten were both transported to St Clare's Hospital in Sussex by Hamburg Emergency Medical Squad. Patrolman Paul Demott investigated the collision, and issued Wakkila summonses for careless driving and driving while suspended. At 4:14 p.m., while the above accident scene was still being cleared, a 1989 Ford Aerostar that was being operated by Katherine M. Cooper, 17, of Wantage, was stopped in traffic, when her vehicle was struck from behind by a 1998 Ford Escort operated by Ashlee A Dunstan, 21, of Wantage. Neither driver was injured in this collision. Patrolman Erik Aronson investigated this collision, and issued Dunstan a summons for careless driving.