Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two individuals last night, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on February 17, 2022, at approximately 8:27 p.m., when a 2016 Kia Sorento was traveling southbound on Holly Avenue approaching Route 40. The Kia proceeded across the westbound lanes of Route 40 and entered into the crossover located immediately to the west of Holly Avenue. The Kia then proceeded southbound across the eastbound lanes of Route 40. At this time, a 2021 Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound on Route 40 in the right lane of travel.
The Kia entered into the path of the Dodge and its front struck the passenger side of the Kia within the right lane of eastbound Route 40 said Hatchell. Following the collision, the Kia split completely in half, with its rear portion being sent off the south edge of the roadway and into the grassy area just east of Shorewinds Road.
A 7-year-old boy, seated in the left rear of the Kia, was killed when he was ejected and struck a utility pole. A 9-year-old girl, seated in the rear right of the Kia was also ejected and came to rest in the grassy area near the rear half of the vehicle. She was transported to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
The front portion of the Kia was thrown into the right shoulder east of Shorewinds Road. The driver of the Kia, a 31-year-old Newark woman, was transported by ambulance to Christiana Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Identification of both victims are pending notification to the next of kin said Hatchell.
The Dodge continued in a southeasterly direction, eventually coming to rest on the south edge of the roadway of eastbound Route 40. Prior to the collision occurring, it was observed that the Dodge had been traveling at an apparent high rate of speed said Hatchell.
The 18-year-old operator of the Dodge from Landsdowne, PA, was transported to Christiana Hospital and is in stable condition. Hatchell said speed appears to be a factor in the collision, impairment on his part is not suspected at this time.
Route 40 in both directions between Fir Avenue and Buckley Boulevard was closed for approximately 3 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.