Troopers Update Fatal Crash That Closed Route 1 South Of Milford

Milford- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

Jaffe said the incident occurred on January 4, 2020, at approximately 1:22 p.m., when a 2009 Mercury Marquis was traveling eastbound on Pine Haven Road stopped at a posted stop sign at the intersection of Coastal Highway.

A 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway approaching the intersection of Pine Haven Road where the Marquis was stopped. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Marquis pulled forward from the stop sign and entered Coastal Highway directly into the path of the pickup, said Jaffe. The operator of the pickup was unable to avoid the collision, and the front of the truck collided with the left side of the Marquis within the right travel lane of Coastal Highway.

The operator of the Marquis, a 72-year-old male from Harrington, DE was properly restrained. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin. A passenger in the vehicle, a male from Sioux Falls, SD was properly restrained. He sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Bayhealth Sussex Campus.

The operator of the pickup truck, a 30-year-old male from Georgetown, DE and his passenger were properly restrained and did not sustain injury.

Coastal Highway in the area of Pine Haven Road was closed for an extended period of time while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Breaking Report

Milford – Just before 1:30 this afternoon, Saturday, January 4, 2020, rescue crews from the Carlisle, Ellendale, and Memorial Fire Companies, along with Delaware State Police and Kent County Medics responded to Route 1 SB (Coastal Highway) at Pine Haven Road for a crash with multiple injuries.

While en route crews learned that a total of four patients, two of whom were reported to be unconscious, were injured at the scene.

As crews arrived on scene they reported that two patients were very seriously injured and ordered a rapid extrication of the patients. Additional details surrounding these two patients is not available at this time.

While crews worked to free the patients all lanes of Route 1 were closed. At last check 2:35 pm the northbound lanes had reopened.

It’s unclear at this point if the two additional mentioned in the initial call were transported.

Delaware State Police have the southbound lanes closed while they investigate the crash.

This is a developing story.

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