Claymont – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that took place in Claymont, Thursday evening, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 5:01 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2018, on Naamans Road at the intersection with Philadelphia Pike. A 2000 Ford Explorer operated by a 35-year-old Chester, PA man, was traveling eastbound on Naamans Road., approaching the intersection with Philadelphia Pike at an apparent high rate of speed. A 2018 Ford Fusion being driven by a 26-year-old Boothwyn, PA woman was traveling northbound on Philadelphia Pike in the left turn lane, to proceed onto westbound Naamans Road, with a green arrow light.
The Explorer proceeded through the intersection against the red light, drove over a concrete median, striking a signpost before sideswiping the front end of the Fusion, said Austin. The Explorer then traveled across the northbound lanes of Philadelphia Pike, striking and breaking through a guardrail, continuing down a grassy embankment, before dropping approximately 40 feet onto a dirt access road, coming to rest on its roof.
The driver of the Explorer and his front seat passenger, a 29-year-old male, also from Chester, neither of which were properly restrained, were transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A 37-year-old Chester, PA man who was an unrestrained rear seat passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Fusion who was properly restrained was uninjured. Neither impairment nor improper driving are factors on her behalf, said Austin.
The investigation is active and ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.
The intersection of Naamans Road and Philadelphia Pike was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.