The Delaware State Police are investigating a three-vehicle crash in Newark that resulted in a fatality.
The collision occurred Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on eastbound Pulaski Highway, west of David Place. Authorities said a Kia Sportage was stopped behind a Subaru Outback in the left lane of the roadway when a Hyundai Kona traveling eastbound approached from the rear. Investigators said the Hyundai failed to stop and struck the rear of the Kia, forcing it forward into the back of the Subaru.
The driver of the Hyundai, 85-year-old Melvin Pitt of New Castle, Delaware, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said Pitt died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
An 83-year-old female passenger in the Hyundai, from Newark, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the occupants of the Kia and the Subaru did not report any injuries. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
