Harbeson- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Friday, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on August 30, 2019 at approximately 4:32 p.m., when a 2014 Subaru Outback was traveling westbound on Beaver Dam Road (CR 285) approaching the intersection of Indian Mission Road (SR 5), which is controlled by a posted stop sign. A 2015 Volvo Tractor towing an enclosed box style trailer was traveling northbound on Indian Mission Road approaching the intersection of Beaver Dam Road. Indian Mission Road is a throughway and traffic is not required to stop. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Outback failed to remain stopped and entered the intersection directly in the path of the tractor trailer. After the impact the tractor trailer continued to swerve and exited the west edge of Indian Mission Road where it struck several standing trees before coming to rest in the wooded area.
The operator of the Outback, John R. Acken, 79, og New Jersey was properly restrained. He was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin. A female passenger was also in the vehicle and properly restrained. She was transported to the Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
The operator of the tractor trailer, a 33-year-old male from Pennsylvania was properly restrained. He was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
Indian Mission Road in the area of Beaver Dam Road was closed for approximately 5.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The crash continues remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.