Newark – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motorcycle crash which occurred earlier this afternoon east of Newark, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the preliminary investigation has revealed the incident occurred at approximately 12:58 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2018 on SR 273 eastbound east of Ruthar Drive, Newark.
A 2008 Kawasaki ZX600P8 operated by a 21-year-old Newark man was traveling eastbound on SR 273 and had just cleared the intersection at Ruthar Drive. The motorcycle was in the left lane and for unknown reasons the operator began to lose control of the motorcycle and struck the face of the guardrail positioned in the median just as he was beginning to curve right. The front tire became dislodged during the collision with the guardrail. After the operator was ejected, the motorcycle continued to travel on its side in an easterly direction coming to a stop in the right lane of SR 273 eastbound.
The operator of the Kawasaki, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS. Impairment on the part of the operator does not appear to be a contributing factor. Speed is being considered a factor in the crash, said Bratz. Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.
DE SR 273 eastbound was closed east of Ruthar Drive for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
Breaking Report
Newark – Delaware State Police, along with Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder have responded to the area of Route 273 and Ruthar Drive for reports of a vehicle accident involving a motorcycle.
Upon arrival, crews found a motorcycle rider down in roadway.
Initial reports indicate that the patient is seriously injured.
Route 273 eastbound between Ruthar Drive and Route 4 off-ramp is completely shut down.
DelDOT arrow board crews are diverting all Route 273 eastbound traffic on to Ruthar Drive. All traffic coming off of Ruthar Drive onto Route 273 is being diverted westbound.
Delaware State Police released the following statement
“Newark – Delaware State Police are on scene of a crash involving a motorcycle that occurred today at approximately 1:00 p.m. which has the Route 273 at Ruthar Drive closed at this time.
Motorists can expect delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.
The investigation is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.”
Developing
