Just after 4:30 a.m. Monday, rescue crews were dispatched to the Methodist Church at 77 New London Road in Newark following reports of a motor vehicle accident involving multiple injuries.
Officials have confirmed a pedestrian was struck before the vehicle crashed into the church. The pedestrian sustained severe injuries. Shortly after arrival, Newark Command requested additional Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel along with the New Castle County Collapse Team due to the extent of the damage and injuries.
The vehicle’s occupant was also injured in the crash as well. Both the pedestrian and the driver were transported to Christiana Hospital via ambulance, with New Castle County paramedics accompanying.
The 24-year-old male pedestrian suffered injuries to his head, pelvis, and lower extremities. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and transported to Christiana Hospital in Newark in critical condition.
The second 24-year-old male, who was inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, sustained injuries to his head and lower extremities. He was also treated on-site and transported to Christiana Hospital in serious condition.
This is the second significant incident at the church in recent months. In September, the building suffered heavy damage in another crash, and the driver in that case was later charged. Read more about that incident here.
Newark Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this latest accident.