Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash that has claimed the life of a 37-year-old Wilmington woman which occurred last night in North Wilmington.
Troopers said the crash occurred on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 8:17 p.m., as a 37-year-old woman pedestrian was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of US 202 (Concord Pike) just north of Woodlawn Road in an eastbound direction.
As the pedestrian entered the center lane, she stepped into the path of a 2014 Audi A6, which was traveling southbound on Concord Pike, and which was being operated by Edward Ballen, 73, of Wilmington, according to authorities.
The force of the collision vaulted the victim onto the hood of the Audi. She then came to rest in the left hand lane of Rt. 202. Edward Ballen was able to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop in the center lane of the roadway.
The female pedestrian, who was not utilizing a marked cross walk and was dressed in dark clothing at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then removed from the scene and transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where she was subsequently pronounced dead. The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin. Alcohol use on the part of the victim is being considered as a factor in this crash.
Edward Ballen, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured.
The southbound lanes of US 202 were closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. However, traffic was permitted to use the right hand shoulder to proceed past the scene.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.
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