The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred earlier Tuesday morning near Harbeson, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at approximately 7:52 a.m., as a 2016 Ford Transit work van, operated by a 50-year-old Milton man, was traveling eastbound on US 9 just east of Josephs Road.
At the same time, a 2015 Isuzu six-wheel box truck, operated by a 56-year-old male of Milford, was traveling westbound on US 9 in the same area approaching the work van.
Bratz said for unknown reasons, the Ford Transit work van crossed the center line and entered the westbound travel lane in front of the box truck. The driver of the box truck attempted to swerve his vehicle to the right to avoid the impact but was unsuccessful. As a result, the left side front of the Ford Transit van struck the left side of the Isuzu Box Truck for impact within the westbound travel lane. After the collision, the box truck continued westbound a short distance as it rotated counter-clockwise and rolled. The box truck came to rest on its right side on the westbound shoulder of US 9. The Ford Transit Van was forced to rotate approximately 180 degrees and came to rest, upright, in the westbound travel lane, facing west.
The driver of the Ford Transit Van was transported by ambulance to the Beebe Hospital where he was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries he sustained in the collision. It is unknown at this time if his seat belt was worn at the time of the collision. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Isuzu Box Truck was properly restrained. He was transported by ambulance to the Beebe Hospital where he was treated and released for minor non-life threatening injuries.
Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors for either operator in this collision.
(U.S. 9) Lewes-Georgetown Highway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation and the cleanup efforts. The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
The Delaware State Police Reconstruction Unit is asking anyone that has information in reference to this crash or anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please contact Cpl/3 J. Burns of Troop 7, Lewes at (302)-703-3266.
Breaking Report
Lewes – At 7:55 this morning rescue crews from the Lewes Fire Department along with Sussex County Medics and Trooper 2 were dispatched to Lewes Georgetown Highway (Route 9) and Josephs Road for reports a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.
Upon arrival, crews have confirmed entrapment and have closed the Route 9.
A second patient is also badly injured.
Crews are reporting that the trapped patient is very badly injured.
Update: Trooper 2 has landed in a field east of the crash site.
Update: One patient already en route to Beebe Hospital in Lewes.
Update: Command has alerted dispatch that the entrapment patient will need to be transported by ground to Beebe Hospital. Trooper 2 will not be utilized.
Developing