Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two individuals yesterday evening in the Wilmington area.
Officials said the collision occurred on April 3, 2023, at approximately 4:44 p.m., when a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling eastbound on Philadelphia Pike in the left lane of travel. The Volkswagen slowed to a stop in front of the White Glove Car Wash located at 201 Philadelphia Pike in Wilmington.
At the time, a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 was traveling westbound on Philadelphia Pike from Marsh Road’s area in the right lane of travel at a high rate of speed police said. The Volkswagen attempted to make a left turn into the parking lot of the White Glove Car Wash. As the Volkswagen proceeded across the westbound lanes, the front of the Ram struck the right side of the Volkswagen. The Ram pushed the Volkswagen off the roadway and into the car wash parking lot, colliding with a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 parked in the lot.
The 42-year-old male operator of the Volkswagen from Chester, Pennsylvania was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The 34-year-old female passenger in the Volkswagen from Wilmington was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin. Police say both were not wearing their seatbelts
The 29-year-old male operator of the Ram from Philadelphia and his front passenger, who police say were also not properly restrained, were transported to an area hospital for minor injuries.
Impairment does not appear to be a factor police said. There are no charges at this time, but the investigation is in its early stages.
Philadelphia Pike was closed between Edgemoor Road and Hillcrest Avenue for approximately 5 hours while the collision was investigated, and the roadway cleared.