Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Millsboro area on Wednesday afternoon, according to Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto.
DeMalto said on July 27, 2022, at approximately 3:14 p.m., a white 2019 Kia Optima was traveling eastbound on Mount Joy Road approaching a moderate left curve east of Cannon Road. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Kia failed to negotiate the curve said DeMalto. The Kia exited the south edge of Mount Joy Road and continued traveling eastbound until it struck a utility pole off the roadway. After striking the pole, the Kia overturned onto its roof and caught fire.
The operator of the Optima, a 27-year-old male from Milford, was not properly restrained. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the vehicle sustained extensive thermal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim was turned over to the Office of the Medical Examiner for identification confirmation.
No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the collision was being investigated and cleared.