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Claymont – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred last night, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m., Friday, March 9, 2018, on SR 92 Naamans Road west of the I-95 ramp, Claymont.
A 2014 Honda Accord, being driven by a 48-year-old Pennsylvania man was traveling westbound on DE SR 92, Naamans Road in the right lane and stopped at a red traffic signal at the intersection of Society Drive. A 2001 Mercedes M-Class, operated by 49-year-old Pennsylvania man, was traveling directly behind the Honda in the right lane.
The Mercedes failed to stop and as a result the front of the Mercedes struck the rear of the Honda Accord. After this initial collision the operator of the Mercedes exited his vehicle and appeared agitated, mumbled incoherently and then reentered his vehicle, according to Bratz.
He then accelerated his vehicle to turn around and fled the crash scene traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of DE SR 92 Naamans Road. The Mercedes then drove through the grass median and struck a road sign. After this collision the Mercedes continued eastbound in the left lane of westbound DE SR 92, Naamans Road.
It was at this time a 2001 Ford F350, operated by a 17-year-old male of Pennsylvania, was traveling westbound on DE SR 92, Naamans Rd, in the left lane toward Society Drive. The Mercedes entered into the path of the Ford F350 and as a result the front of the Mercedes collided with the front of the Ford F350 in the left lane of westbound DE SR 92, Naamans Road.
The operator of the Honda Accord and his passenger refused medical treatment at the scene. Both of the occupants were wearing their seatbelts.
The operator of the Ford F350 and a front seat passenger were treated at Christiana Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. A rear middle seat passenger was treated at the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children with non-life threatening injuries. The passengers were not wearing seatbelts.
The operator of the Mercedes, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. Speed does appear to be a factor in the crash, impairment on his behalf is unknown at this time.
Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.
Correction: Early reports that one person was ejected from the vehicle were incorrect.
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