Newark – The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle collision involving three fatalities that occurred early this morning, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on September 19, 2020, at approximately 2:07 a.m., when a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling westbound on Old Baltimore Pike approaching Robert L. Melson Lane. Three occupants inside of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata were traveling eastbound on Old Baltimore Pike. For unknown reasons, the Sonata crossed into westbound lanes striking the front of the Suburban head-on.
The operator of the Suburban, a 35-year-old male from Newark, DE was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Sonata, a 25-year-old male from Cary, North Carolina was properly restrained and transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The front-seat passenger in the Sonata, a 26-year-old male from New Castle, DE was properly restrained and transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The third occupant, a 26-year-old male from Linwood, Pennsylvania who was seated in the second row was transported to Christiana Hospital and treated for serious injuries.
All names are being withheld at this time pending the notifications of next of kin.
Westbound Old Baltimore Pike was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8485.
Breaking Report
While en route crews learned that one vehicle was possibly on fire and that multiple people were trapped.
First arriving crews confirmed that one vehicle was on fire and at least one person was in the vehicle. Crews also reported that two other patients in a second vehicle we very seriously injured, one of which was trapped. A fourth patient was reportedly ejected from one of the vehicles.
Over the radio, Command could be heard directing arriving New Castle County Paramedics and Trooper 4’s medic to the patients.
Initial reports from the scene indicate that one fatality was pronounced at the scene. Two patients were transported in very critical condition by ambulance with medics accompanying. A fourth patient was also transported by ambulance and a bystander was also accessed by EMTs at the scene.
Delaware State Police are investigating the crash.