UPDATE FATAL CRASH LEWES-GEORGETOWN HIGHWAY 01/11/11 4:30 p.m.

Operator(s) and Vehicle(s):

• Richard J. Baker Jr.-50 Georgetown, DE
• White Chrysler Town and Country

• George Cherrey-55 Baltimore, MD
• 2005 Mac Truck and Trailer
• Tilley Chemical Company INC
• Baltimore Maryland

Victim(s):

• Richard J. Baker Jr-50 Georgetown, DE

Resume Update:

Milton/Lewes-Delaware State Police has released additional information concerning the two vehicle fatal crash which occurred on Tuesday January 11, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. 

Prior to the crash a Chrysler Town and County Mini Van driven by Richard J. Baker Jr -50 of Georgetown was traveling westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway and a 2005 Mac Tractor Trailer driven by George Cherrey-55 of Baltimore Maryland was traveling eastbound on the same road.  Preliminary information obtained by Delaware State Police suggests the operator and victim of the Chrysler Town and County van crossed into the eastbound lane of travel.  As a result of this action the van collided head-on with the Mac tractor trailer. 

When the vehicle collided a fire was ignited causing damage to both vehicles.  Delaware State Police is still investigating as to what actually sparked the fire.  Shortly after the crash Delaware State Police arrived and removed Baker from his vehicle.  Delaware State Troopers’ attempts to revive Baker proved unsuccessful.  Baker succumbed at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. 

The operator of the Mac tractor trailer sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at Beebe Hospital. 

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours as investigators attempted to piece together the crash scene.

Delaware State Police is continuing their investigation into the crash.  Delaware State Police is asking anyone who may have witnessed events prior to the crash or after to contact Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit at 302-644-5020 ext 118. 

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DSP News Release:  Preliminary Fatal Crash Release  

Location: 

• Lewes-Georgetown Highway Area of Cool Springs Road Milton, DE

DATE and TIME:  

• Tuesday January 11, 2011 11:11 a.m.

Resume:

Milton/Lewes-Delaware State Police is currently investigating a fatal crash which was reported at 11:11 a.m. Tuesday January 11, 2011. 

The crash is being investigated by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.  Preliminary information indicates the accident is between a van and tractor trailer.  

At this time there is one fatality as a result of this crash.

Currently Lewes-Georgetown Highway is closed from Hudson Road and Cool Springs Road