Middletown – The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the intersection of U.S. Rt. 13 (DuPont Pkwy.) and Port Penn Road in Middletown, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the investigation has determined that a 2007 Toyota Corolla, operated by a 56-year-old New Castle woman, was stopped at a red light on westbound Port Penn Road, intending to turn left onto southbound Route 13.
A 2004 Jeep Cherokee, driven by a 79-year-old New Castle man, was traveling Route 13 northbound approaching the intersection with Port Penn Road. The traffic signal turned green for Port Penn Road traffic and the Toyota proceeded through the intersection.
The traffic signal for Route 13 had changed to red, however, the driver of the Jeep failed to stop and proceeded through the intersection, with the front of his vehicle striking the driver’s side of the Toyota, said Austin. After the initial impact, the Jeep then struck a 2017 Chevy Cruz, operated by a 22-year-old Port Penn man, which was stopped in the Route 13 southbound left-turn lane for Port Penn Road. All vehicles came to rest in the intersection.
The driver of the Toyota, who was not properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Jeep, who was properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Chevy, who was properly restrained was not injured as a result of the crash.
Impairment is not deemed as a contributing factor on behalf of any of the drivers.
The intersection of Route 13 and Port Penn Road was closed for approximately 1 hour while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.