Students injured in car accident

Senior listed as critical Two University students were severely injured when their car lost control and struck a highway retaining wall Thursday night, Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel said yesterday. As of last night, Engineering and Wharton senior Anthony Ng, the driver of the vehicle, was still listed in critical condition at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, according to Nursing Shift Director Betsy Russom. Although both the driver and passenger's side airbags were activated, Ng's head went through the windshield, Cassel said. Russom added that Wharton junior Ferdinand Cheuk was in stable condition at the hospital. Cassel said Ng is currently in an induced coma to prevent further brain swelling and damage. She said that he is in a "life threatening situation" because of the severe head trauma. In addition, Ng had learned earlier in the day of his acceptance to an engineering doctoral program at the University of Chicago, she added. Cheuk, who is expected to recover fully, underwent an operation last week to stop abdominal bleeding, Cassel said. He also sustained minor lacerations. Ng lost control of his red BMW while driving south in the right-hand lane on Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park. According to Accident Investigation Officer Victoria Smith, he swerved to the left in order to avoid the right-hand barrier. The car then spun out of control across four lanes traffic, until finally striking a stone wall. Smith said the car was destroyed after sustaining "extensive damage" to the left side. She added that Ng had not been drinking before the accident, although the incident is still under investigation. Both students' families flew in from Hong Kong to keep vigil "around the clock" at the hospital, along with over 20 University students. Cassel said the VPUL will continue to provide counseling and support services for friends and family of the victims. She added that the community has been "very, very supportive." People interested in Cheuk and Ng's condition should call the VPUL Office or the Victim Support and Special Services Office for updates, Cassel said. This accident is the second car accident involving University students in as many weeks. Over spring break, College junior Justin Koppel was killed in a head-on collision when his car was struck by another vehicle in the Florida Keys. Wharton junior Scott Weisblum, who was also injured in the March 5 accident, is expected to return to campus this week after recovering at home.