Troopers: Driver Swerving To Miss Deer Caused Route 1 Traffic Nightmare, Two Injured

[media-credit name=”DelDOT” align=”aligncenter” width=”800″][/media-credit]

Newark – Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a two vehicle crash involving an overturned dump truck that occurred at approximately 3:17 a.m., Tuesday June 5, 2018 on SR 1 northbound, just north of DE 273, Newark, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.

Austin said the initial investigation has determined that a 1999 Honda Civic being driven by a 18-year-old Port Deposit, Maryland woman, was travelling SR 1 northbound in the left lane approaching DE 273, when a deer ran into her path.

The driver swerved to avoid the deer at which time she lost control and traveled off the right side of the road, striking a guardrail. After impacting the guardrail the Honda re-entered the SR 1 northbound lanes, coming to rest in the left lane facing southbound.

A 2016 Kenworth dump truck, operated by a 61-year-old New Castle man, was traveling SR 1 northbound in the left lane and did not see the disabled Honda due to it’s headlights being inoperable as a result of the initial crash. The dump truck driver braked at the last moment but could not avoid striking the Honda. After impact the dump truck overturned on to it’s left side before coming to rest off the right side of the SR 1 northbound lanes. The dump truck was hauling ash which was spread across all SR 1 northbound lanes after the vehicle overturned.

The operator of the Honda as well as the dump truck, who were both properly restrained, were transported to the Christiana Hospital with minor injuries.

As of 10:25 a.m. all lanes of SR 1 have been re-opened.

The SR 1 southbound lanes were closed for approximately 2 hours and the northbound lanes were closed for approximately 7 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

No word on the condition of the Deer.

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →