Milford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier this afternoon, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the incident occurred at approximately 1:17 p.m., on Friday, October 5, 2018, when a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville was traveling northbound in the left lane of SR 1 (Bay Road) south of the Thompsonville Road exit ramp, north of Milford. A 2016 Toyota Rav-4 was also traveling northbound in the left lane of SR 1, directly in front of the Pontiac Bonneville.
The operator of the Bonneville failed to give full time and attention to the roadway and the front of his vehicle collided with the rear of the Rav-4, while both vehicles were in motion traveling northbound, said Bratz. This collision caused the driver of the Rav-4 to lose control and cross the grass median into the southbound lanes of travel, according to Bratz.
A 2006 GMC Yukon was traveling southbound in the left lane on SR 1. The front of the Rav-4 struck the front of the Yukon, in a near head-on collision. The force of this collision caused the Yukon to enter into the right travel lane of southbound SR 1. A 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling southbound in the right lane of SR 1 and was struck on the left side by the right side of the Yukon. The collision caused the Grand Marquis to exit the right side of the roadway and strike a utility pole with its front end. Following the chain-reaction collision, the Bonneville continued northbound and came to a controlled stop within the center grass median. The Rav-4, after being struck by the Yukon, rotated slightly counter-clockwise and came to an uncontrolled stop near the yellow divider line of the southbound lanes of SR 1. The Yukon came to a stop on the grassy shoulder of SR 1.
The passenger of the Mercury Marquis, 75-year-old female of New York, was transported by EMS to the Kent General Hospital and later succumbed to her injuries sustained in this collision.
The driver of the Mercury Grand Marquis, 76-year-old-male of New York, was transported to the Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and was admitted.
The driver of the Pontiac Bonneville, Shane R. Fenimore, 28 of Millsboro, was not injured.
The driver of the Toyota Rav-4, 52-year-old male of Rehoboth Beach was transported and admitted to the Milford Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His passenger, 46-year-old male of Millsboro, was also transported to the Milford Memorial Hospital, also with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the GMC Yukon, 47-year-old male of New Jersey, was transported to Milford Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His passenger, 53-year-old-female of New Jersey was transported to Milford Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
All drivers and passengers were wearing their seat belts.
The roadway in the area of the crash was closed for approximately two hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.
Identification is pending notification of next of kin and extended family.
Bratz said Fenimore had an active capias warrant from the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas. He was taken into custody and transported to the court.
He also said that the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.