Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into a motor vehicle crash which claimed the life of a Newark teenager, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 6:29 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at the intersection of Salem Church Road and Cornell Drive, Newark. A 2011 Dodge Nitro, operated by a 27-year-old Newark man, was traveling Salem Church Road northbound, approaching the intersection with Cornell Drive. A 2001 Saturn SL 2, operated by Caitlin Rouwhorst, 17, also of Newark, was stopped at a stop sign on Cornell Drive, at the intersection with Salem Church Road. The Saturn then proceeded into the intersection, directly into the path of the Dodge, as a result was struck on the driver’s side door, according to Austin.
Caitlin Rouwhorst was transported to the Christiana Hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries. A 16-year-old male passenger in the Saturn was also transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
The driver of the Dodge was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. An 8-year-old male passenger in the Dodge was uninjured as a result of the crash.
The initial investigation has determined that all parties were properly restrained and that impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash.
Salem Church Road was closed for approximately 4 hours as the initial investigation was conducted.
Friends of Rouwhorst remembered her today, laying flowers in her parking spot at Newark high School and creating a memorial inside the school.
Original Breaking Report
Bear – Rescue crews from the Christiana Fire Company, along New Castle County Paramedics have responded to the intersection of Salem Church Road and Cornell Drive for reports if a crash with entrapment.
Just after 6:30 pm crews freed the trapped patients for a vehicle. Two patients are being transported with trauma alerts. It’s believed that a total of four patients were transported.
Trooper 4 (Delaware State Police Aviation) was alerted but will not be utilized.
Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police have closed the road while they investigate.
Developing
