The Delaware State Police are investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Christiana Road in New Castle last night that left two victims dead.
On August 21, 2024, at approximately 11:20 p.m., a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan was stopped at a traffic light in the eastbound lanes of Christiana Road, at the intersection with Airport Road. Simultaneously, a 2022 Kia K5 was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed in the westbound lanes of Christiana Road, approaching the same intersection.
The preliminary investigation showed that the Dodge entered the intersection to turn left onto Airport Road after the traffic lights for the eastbound thru lanes and left turn lane of Christiana Road turned green, while the westbound lanes remained red. At the same time, the Kia failed to stop at the red traffic signal for the westbound lanes of Christiana Road and also entered the intersection. As a result, the front of the Kia struck the right side of the Dodge in the intersection. Following the initial impact, the Dodge spun and rolled over, while the Kia deflected to the right, crossed a cement median, and struck a 2020 Hyundai Tucson that was preparing to turn right onto Christiana Road westbound from Airport Road southbound.
The driver of the Dodge, a 29-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old female passenger, both from New Castle, Delaware, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names are being withheld until their family and relatives are notified. The remaining 4 passengers in the Dodge, all of whom were children, were taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Kia, a 26-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for serious injuries.
The driver of the Hyundai, a 43-year-old woman from Bear, Delaware, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for serious injuries.
Officials did not mention anything about a police pursuit that referenced in our breaking report. We have reached out to leadership in DSP’s communication department for clarification.
The roadway was closed for approximately 6 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Breaking Report
Police are actively investigating a fatal crash that occurred late Wednesday night at the intersection of Route 273 and Airport Road in New Castle.
The collision, which involved a dark sedan, a minivan, and a third vehicle resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others with serious injuries.
Emergency crews responded to the scene just before 11:20 p.m. and found a chaotic situation. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals trapped in the wreckage and several others seriously injured including children. First arriving declared a Level One Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) due to the number of patients and the seriousness of their injuries.
Images from the scene show dozens of first responders in the middle of the road working to treat the injured patients while debris from the crash was strewn about the the area.
According to a witness, the dark sedan allegedly ran a red light, colliding with the minivan, causing it to flip multiple times. A child was reportedly ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
A woman and a child, both passengers in the minivan, were pronounced deceased at the scene. As many as six other individuals, including those in both vehicles, were transported to Christiana Hospital and AI Dupont Hospital with serious injuries.
As rescue efforts were underway, there were reports of a crash involving a man who was seriously injured while allegedly fleeing from police. The man reportedly suffered major leg trauma. The witness at the minivan scene tells FSU that the driver of the dark sedan was heard yelling, “My legs,” as crews were attempting to provide aid.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the fatal crash was connected to a police pursuit. Further details will be provided as they become available.
This is a developing story.