The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this morning west of Lewes, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said around 8:53 a.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2021, a 2015 Chrysler 200 operated by a 37-year-old Port Royal, Pennsylvania man was traveling westbound on John J. Williams Hwy (SR 24), approaching the intersection at Mulberry Knoll Road. At the same time, a 2005 Cadillac Escalade operated by a 42-year-old Salisbury, Maryland man was traveling eastbound in the same vicinity. Fournier said for unknown reasons, the Chrysler drove onto the westbound shoulder and struck numerous traffic barrels before quickly re-entering the roadway and crossing into the eastbound lane, directly into the path of the Cadillac.
In an attempt to avoid a collision, the Cadillac operator swerved slightly right, however, the front center of the Chrysler struck the front left of the Cadillac within the eastbound lane in a near head-on fashion. The Chrysler was forced into a clockwise rotation before coming to stop in the westbound lane. The Cadillac was forced off the roadway, coming to a stop in an open farm field.
Prior to this collision, the Chrysler was reported by numerous witnesses driving erratically and going the wrong way on Coastal Highway before turning onto John J. Williams Highway, added Fournier.
The driver of the Chrysler 200 was not properly restrained at the time of the accident according to Fournier. He was transported by EMS to Beebe Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Cadillac Escalade drive was properly restrained and did not report any injuries.
SR24 between Mulberry Knoll Road and Plantations Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
Breaking Report
Just before 9:00 Tuesday morning rescues from the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company along with Sussex County Paramedics were dispatched to John J Williams Highway (SR 24) at Mulberry Knoll Road for reports of a collision with entrapment.
First arriving reported no entrapment, however, one patient was transported by ground to Beebe Hospital in critical condition.
John J Williams Highway has been closed in the area of the accident and is expected to be closed for an extended period of time.
Delaware State Police issued a statement alerting motorists to seek alternate routes of travel.
This is a developing story.
