Middletown – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that has claimed the life of a Wilmington man which occurred early this morning north of Middletown, according to Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.
Bratz said the crash occurred at approximately 4:56 a.m.today, October 30, 2016, as Donald K. Phipps, 54 of Wilmington, was operating a 2014 Toyota Corolla and was traveling north on DE. Route 896.
For an unknown reason, his vehicle left the west side of the road and crossed over the median and the southbound lanes of DE Rt. 896 in the area of Bethel Church Road. The Toyota Corolla continued in a northwesterly direction off of the road until its left front struck a large tree. The vehicle rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise after the impact and continued a short distance from the tree coming to a stop off the road facing in a westerly direction.
Donald K. Phipps, 54 of Wilmington, who was wearing his seat belt, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Image Credits: File