Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently assisting the Dewey Beach Police Department with the investigation of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Coastal Highway in the area of Saulsbury Street, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the crash occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 on Coastal Highway (SR 1) approximately 100′ south of Saulsbury Street.
The investigation indicates that a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban operated by a 61-year-old New York man was traveling Coastal Hwy., northbound south of Saulsbury Street. when he suffered an acute medical event causing him to black out, said Austin. At this time the Chevrolet crossed into the Coastal Hwy. southbound lanes and rapidly accelerated in a northerly direction towards the Starboard Bar & Restaurant, where two Washington D.C. men, ages 53 and 58 were standing while straddling their bicycles, according to Austin.
One man was on the Coastal Hwy. southbound shoulder, the other on the sidewalk. Both victims attempted to move out of the path of the Chevrolet but were unable to do so and were struck by the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle simultaneously struck a DP&L utility pole, severing it at ground level. After striking the two victims and the utility pole the Chevrolet continued into the Starboard parking lot where it struck an unoccupied 2015 Jeep Wrangler, before coming to rest.
Both Washington D.C. men were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Chevrolet operator who was properly restrained, was transported to Beebe Hospital for treatment. Neither impairment nor distraction is believed to be a factor in the crash.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. No charges have been filed at this time.
Coastal Highway was closed for approximately five hours during the investigation. Currently both northbound lanes and one southbound lane are open.
Update 1
Dewey Beach- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently assisting the Dewey Beach Police Department with the investigation of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Coastal Highway in the area of Salisbury and New Orleans St, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said traffic in both directions is being diverted onto side streets which is causing significant delays. It is recommend that you avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel. Portions of the roadway are expected to be closed for an extended amount of time.
Unconfirmed reports from the scene indicate that two people riding bicycles were struck and killed. Driver of the striking vehicle may have suffered a medical episode.
A utility pole and power lines are down in the roadway.
Orginal Breaking Report
Dewey Beach – Police are currently on scene in Dewey Beach investigating an incident where multiple people have reportedly been run over.
Witnesses near The Starboard Restaurant & Bar have reporter that they are being told that mutiple people may have been struck by a vehicle.
Reports from the scene indicate that there may be fatalities.
‘The story is developing.
Image Credits: DelDOT