Delaware State Police (DSP) are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Wilmington area on Friday afternoon.
DSP Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell said on September 9, 2022, at approximately 12:39 p.m., a 2012 Nissan Rogue was traveling southbound on Limestone Road (Route 7) within the left lane of travel approaching the intersection with Arundel Drive. At this time, a 2013 Toyota Corolla was traveling northbound Route 7 and entered into the left turn lane at the intersection with Arundel Drive and made a U-turn directly into the path of the Rogue. The traffic signals for the through lanes of Route 7 northbound and southbound were solid green. The operator of the Rogue attempted to brake in an attempt to avoid a collision, but the front left of the Rogue struck the right front of the Corolla.
After the impact, the Rogue rotated clockwise, and the Corolla rotated counterclockwise. The Corolla struck the driver-side rear door for a secondary impact. The Rogue came to rest immediately south of the intersection facing in a northerly direction. The Corolla came to rest in the southbound right through lane of travel, facing in a southerly direction.
The 20-year-old male operator of the Rogue, of Wilmington, who was not properly restrained at the time of the collision was transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries. Excessive speed does not appear to be a factor at this time said Hatchel.
The 65-year-old male operator of the Corolla and 87-year-old female passenger were both properly restrained. They were both transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital. The operator was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
Route 7 southbound was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was being investigated and the roadway cleared.