Hockessin- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which claimed the life of one person this morning in Hockessin.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 10:41 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, November 9, 2016, as a 41 year old West Grove, PA woman was operating a 2016 Nissan Murano and was traveling in a westbound direction on DE Rt. 48 (Lancaster Pike) approximately .25 miles northwest of Old Wilmington Road. For an unknown reason, the Murano crossed the double yellow line and entered the eastbound lane where it struck the front of a 1997 Peterbuilt dump truck, which was traveling in an eastbound direction on Lancaster Pike, and which was being operated by Shawn Spinella, 37, of Conestoga, PA. After the impact the Murano was forced in an eastbound direction where it came to rest in the roadway and burst into flames. The dump truck crossed the westbound lane of Lancaster Pike and traveled through a guard rail before traveling down an embankment where it came to rest.

The female operator of the Murano, who was trapped in her vehicle, was declared dead at the scene. It is unknown if she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. It is also unknown if alcohol or drug use on behalf of the victim were a factor in the crash. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of her next of kin.

Shawn Spinella, who was not properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. Alcohol or drug use on behalf of Spinella are not being considered as a factor in the crash.

Lancaster Pike in the area of Old Wilmington Road was closed for approximately 5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, however, no charges will be filed.

Released: 110916 1928

-End-

**Original Release**

Hockessin- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a two vehicle crash which has claimed the life of one person and injured another that occurred this morning in Hockessin.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash happened at approximately 10:41 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, November 9, 2016, on DE Rt. 48 (Lancaster Pike) in the area of Wilmington Road, Hockessin, and involves a dump truck and a passenger vehicle. As a result of the crash, the operator of the passenger vehicle has been declared dead at the scene. The operator of the dump truck has been removed from the scene and transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

Lancaster Pike has been closed to traffic in both directions and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel around the scene.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene and will assume the investigation.

Further updates will be provided at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 110916 1136

-End-

Print This Page