Midge Rendell unhurt in crash

Pennsylvania first lady Marjorie O. Rendell emerged unscathed from a minor car accident Tuesday night when her state vehicle was struck at a Center City intersection.

The state trooper-driven Chevrolet Suburban that was ferrying Rendell, a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, was struck about 7:30 p.m. at 8th and Pine streets by a Lexus that ran a red light, state police said.

The Lexus struck the SUV on the front driver's side. Passengers in both cars were wearing seatbelts and had no major injuries. Both cars were later towed from the scene.

State Police Cpl. Matthew Hunter said the trooper who was driving Rendell saw the Lexus coming and swerved enough so that the impact was minor.

"There was no speed, really. Everybody was belted. No airbags [opened]," he said.

Yesterday, Rendell said that she was fine and was stunned by the number of calls she'd received from around the country checking on her well-being.

"I wish I got as much attention as when I'm trying to promote my civics-education initiative," she joked.

The Lexus was driven by Shaul Gabby, 39, of Philadelphia, whose 14-year-old son was also in the car. The two declined treatment at the scene, but later went to Pennsylvania Hospital with minor injuries, Hunter said.

Hunter said Gabby had not been cited, but that the investigation was ongoing. *