Harrington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday west of Harrington, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said on Monday, July 26, 2021, at approximately 7:11 a.m., a 2021 Ram 2500 pickup truck, operated by a 57-year-old Lewes man, was traveling eastbound on Vernon Road (SR 14) approaching Whiteleysburg Road entering a slight right curve. A 2009 Toyota Camry being operated by 29-year-old Elias B. Diaz-Perez of Dagsboro was traveling westbound on SR 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road approaching the same curve.
A 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by a 31-year-old Harrington woman, was traveling westbound on SR 14 behind the Toyota Camry. The Ram pickup truck failed to maintain its lane of travel, crossed the double yellow line and entered completely into the westbound lane in front of the Toyota Camry striking it head-on, according to Fournier. The impact of the collision pushed the Camry backward (eastbound) for approximately 57 feet where the truck and the Camry came to a stop in the westbound lane. The Chevrolet Malibu attempted to avoid the crash by swerving right onto the westbound shoulder, and as the Camry is being pushed backward, the right rear strikes the Malibu the driver’s side doors and rear fender pushing the Malibu off the north side of the roadway and into a soybean field.
Elias B. Diaz-Perez, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 57-year-old Lewes man was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries.
The 31-year-old Harrington female was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where she was treated and released with minor injuries.
State Route 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road was closed for approximately five hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.
Breaking Report
Troopers are investigating a serious head-on collision that occurred west of Harrington Monday morning.
At approximately 7:12, rescue crews from the Harrington and Farmington Fire Companies, along with Kent County Medics and Trooper 2 were dispatched to the 7000 block of Vernon Road for reports of a motor vehicle crash.
While en route crews learned that two patients were reported to be trapped so a second helicopter, Trooper 4, was alerted.
Initial reports from the scene indicate that a total of three patients were evaluated at the scene. Two patients are believed to have been transported with non-life-threatening injuries. officials have not released details surrounding the condition of the third patient. Neither helicopter was utilized for transport.
Vernon Road remains closed while Trooper investigates the accident.
