DSP News Release: Car Collides with Dump Truck near Millsboro

Location:

à        John J. Williams Highway (SR 24) west of Gull Point Rd, Millsboro, DE

Date of Occurrence:  

à        Saturday, December 17, 2011 at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Operators/Vehicles:

à        Operator#1: Vincent D. Thomas, 85, Ocean View, DE

à        Vehicle #1: 2000 Ford Taurus

à        Operator #2: Joseph J. Wittrock, 42, Milford, DE

à        Vehicle#2: 2005 Mack Dump Body (CU7)

Resume:

Millsboro, DE- Troopers are investigating a collision between a dump truck and a passenger car that occurred on SR 24 east of Millsboro.

The incident occurred approximately 2:20 p.m. this afternoon as Vincent Thomas, 85, was operating his 2000 Ford Taurus westbound on John J. Williams Highway (SR 24) west of Gull Point Road.  Mr. Thomas’ vehicle crossed the solid double lines and entered into the eastbound lane of travel. 

Joseph Wittrock, 42, was traveling eastbound on John J. Williams Highway in a fully loaded 2005 Mack Dump Truck carrying hot mix asphalt when the Taurus struck the right side of the truck, narrowly missing a head-on collision.  The force of the impact spun the Ford Taurus in a counter clockwise manner coming to a rest facing east in the westbound lane.  The dump truck continued approximately 330 feet before coming to a rest on the eastbound shoulder.

Mr. Thomas was trapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated by mechanical means by Fire personnel.  He was then transported Beebe Hospital in Lewes in serious condition and was later flown to Christiana Hospital.

Mr. Wittrock was not injured.

Speed does not appear to be a factor in this collision and the investigation is on going.

The roadway was shut down for approximately 3 ½ hours.

Released 121711 2300