The Delaware State Police are investigating a multi-car fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Bear that left one woman dead.
Officials said on November 19, 2023, at approximately 4:17 p.m., a white 2017 Toyota RAV-4 and a black 2011 Nissan Altima were traveling in the middle lane of westbound Pulaski Highway (US 40) approaching the intersection of Bear Christiana Road (DE Route 7). At the same time, a red 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling in the inner left turn lane of Pulaski Highway eastbound approaching Bear Christiana Road.
Police said the Chevrolet failed to stop at a red turn signal and proceeded to turn left into the path of the Toyota, which had entered the intersection on a solid green light. As a result, the Chevrolet collided with the Toyota in the intersection. The Nissan, which was traveling directly behind the Toyota, then collided with the Toyota and Chevrolet as they were disengaging from the initial collision.
The front passenger of the Toyota, 65-year-old Darlene Denson-Simmons of Bear was taken to an area hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the Toyota, a 60-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet, a 61-year-old man from New Castle, was taken to an area hospital, where he was admitted for serious injuries.
The driver of the Nissan, a 42-year-old woman, and its occupants, a 10-year-old girl, and two 8-year-old girls, all from Bear, Delaware, were not injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.