Wilmington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 21 year old man that occurred this afternoon just north of Wilmington, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale.
Hale said that the crash happened at approximately 2:07 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2017, as 21-year-old, Thomas J. Carr, of Wilmington was operating a 2013 Dodge Avenger and was traveling in a northbound direction on DE Rt. 141 (Powder Mill Road) just south of Alapocas Drive.
The Avenger struck a large pool of water that had formed on the roadway due to the heavy rains, causing the operator to lose control of the car, said Hale. The vehicle then crossed the centerline of the roadway and entered into the southbound lanes, facing in a westerly direction. The Dodge was then struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, which was traveling on southbound Powder Mill Road, and which was being operated by Martin H. Knowles, IV, also of Wilmington. Both vehicles traveled in a southerly direction until they came to rest in the southbound lanes.
The operator of the Dodge Avenger, Carr, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was trapped in his vehicle and was declared dead at the scene. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drug use on the part of the victim was a factor in this crash, said Hale.
Martin Knowles, who was also properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released. Alcohol and drug use on the part of Knowles is not being considered as a factor in the crash.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Powder Mill Road between Alapocas Drive and Barley Mill Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.