Laurel – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early yesterday evening just east of Laurel, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said the incident occurred around 7:07 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021, as a 29-year-old man was operating a 2004 Toyota Corolla southbound on Kaye Road approaching the intersection of County Seat Highway (US9) at an apparent high rate of speed, according to Fournier. A 27-year-old Laurel man was operating a 2012 Ford F-250 Pickup Truck westbound on US9 approaching the intersection of Kaye Road. Kaye Road at US9 is controlled by a stop sign and US9 is not required to stop. As the pickup truck entered the intersection of Kaye Road, the Corolla failed to stop at the posted stop sign and the front of the Corolla struck the right side of the pickup truck, causing it to rotate clockwise, said Fournier. As the truck rotated, it began to overturn and continue off the south side of US9 coming to an uncontrolled stop upright on its tires. After the impact, the Corolla traveled off the south side of US9 and struck a utility pole guide wire, and came to an uncontrolled stop.
Fournier said the 29-year-old man was not properly restrained and pronounced deceased on scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The 27-year-old Laurel man was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. He was transported to Beebe Medical Center where he was treated and released.
The intersection of Kaye Road and US9 was closed for approximately four hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.