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Staged fatal crash

| 03 Apr 2012 | 06:30
    Manuel Hanson plays the role of a drunk driver in an accident as Brittany Rockenfeller calls 911.
    Manuel Hanson plays the role of a drunk driver in an accident as Brittany Rockenfeller calls 911.
    Sean Anglin, who plays a passenger with minor injuries, looks at the carnage. Photos by Joe Hicks
    Sean Anglin, who plays a passenger with minor injuries, looks at the carnage. Photos by Joe Hicks
    A firefighter attempts to enter the damaged car as the driver is doubled over with grief.
    A firefighter attempts to enter the damaged car as the driver is doubled over with grief.
    Students watch the drama of the staged crash and its aftermath.
    Students watch the drama of the staged crash and its aftermath.
    Sgt. Dan Fedge of the New Jersey State Police interviews Manuel Hanson, playing the role of the drunk driver.
    Sgt. Dan Fedge of the New Jersey State Police interviews Manuel Hanson, playing the role of the drunk driver.
    The Grim Reaper stands watch over the drunk driving 'victim' at High Point High School.
    The Grim Reaper stands watch over the drunk driving 'victim' at High Point High School.
    Police officer leads away the driver in this staged crash at High Point High.
    Police officer leads away the driver in this staged crash at High Point High.
    Firefighters, the Grim Reaper and a funeral home attendant cart away the body of the 'victim.'
    Firefighters, the Grim Reaper and a funeral home attendant cart away the body of the 'victim.'

Wantage — Highlighting the fact that every 15 minutes someone is killed in a drunk driving crash, High Point High School hosted the program Every 15 Minutes in conjunction with St. Clare's Health System and local response agencies.

The staged crash scene includes students posing as drunken drivers, injured passengers and someone who dies as a result. Police, first responders and even the Grim Reaper make appearances.

St. Clare's Paramedics Dean Snook, John Cronin and Irene Slate coordinated the event. Kate Kelly was the student assistance coordinator for High Point High.

Local response agencies included Wantage Township Fire Department, Wantage EMS, Sussex Fire Department, Sussex EMS, New Jersey State Police, Sparta Township Police Communications and Ferguson Funeral Home.

All those who have witnessed the program described it as a powerful, moving experience.

Photos by Joe Hicks See more photos at our Web site