***UPDATED INFORMATION***

DSP News Release:  State Police Probe Lancaster Pike Fatal Accident

Location: DE Rt. 48 (Lancaster Pike) .25 miles west of DE Rt. 141 (Center Road), Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Friday, April 15, 2011 at 7:50 p.m.

Operators/Vehicles:

Operator #1: Jessica B. Richey, 22, Hockessin, DE

Vehicle #1: 2004 Honda Accord

Operator #2: Jeanette DeBright, 58, Wilmington, DE

Vehicle #2: 2005 BMW X3

Resume:  

Wilmington- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this evening just west of the city of Wilmington.

The crash occurred as Jessica B. Richey, 22, of Hockessin, DE was operating a 2004 Honda Accord and was traveling eastbound on Lancaster Pike just west of Center Road. For an unknown reason, Richey’s vehicle crossed the center median and entered the westbound lanes of Rt. 48. The Honda’s left side then struck the front of a 2005 BMW X3 that was traveling in the westbound right hand lane of Rt. 48 and which was being operated by Jeanette DeBright, 58, of Wilmington. The force of the crash caused the Honda Accord to split in half and eject Jessica Richey from the vehicle. Richey was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was turned over to the Medical Examiner’s office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.  A 21 year old Claymont, DE woman, who was a passenger in Richey’s vehicle, was transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where she is being treated for the injuries she sustained in the crash.

Jeanette DeBright, as well as a 53 year old Wilmington, DE woman, and a 6 year old New Castle, DE male, who were passengers in DeBright’s vehicle, were also transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The 6 year old male was subsequently transported to the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children.

The investigation into this crash is on-going at this time. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash, however, it appears that speed was a contributing factor. All individual involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. DE Rt. 48 was closed for approximately 4 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. 

Released Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:20 a.m.

***INITIAL INFORMATION***

DSP News Release:  Troopers on Scene of Serious Personal Injury Accident

Location: Lancaster Pike at Center Road, Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Friday, April 15, 2011 at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Resume:  

Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious personal injury accident that occurred on Lancaster Pike at center Road. Preliminary indication is that there are several persons inured with one person being ejected from a vehicle. The roadway in the area of the crash is closed and commuters are asked to use alternate means of travel around the accident.

The investigation into this crash is still in its initial stages. More information will be released at a later time.

Released Friday, April 15, 2011 at 8:25 p.m.