The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon in Hockessin.
Officials said on March 2, 2025, at approximately 4:09 p.m., a silver 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling southbound on Newport Gap Pike, approaching the intersection with Valley Lane. At the same time, a gray 2017 Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling northbound on Newport Gap Pike, approaching Valley Lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep crossed into the northbound lane, directly into the path of the Freightliner according to police. As a result, the front of the Jeep collided with the front of the Freightliner.
A passenger of the Jeep, a 2-year-old male from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. The driver of the Jeep, a 36-year-old man from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, was taken to an area hospital for serious injuries. Additional passengers of the Jeep: a 34-year-old woman, a 16-year-old male, and an 11-year-old female, all from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, were taken to area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports from the scene indicated that at least one of the patients was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be freed before transport.
The driver of the Freightliner, a 60-year-old man from North East, Maryland, was not injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 7 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared the roadway.