Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley
Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale
Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 21 year old man that occurred this afternoon just north of Wilmington.
The investigation thus far has determined that the crash happened at approximately 2:07 p.m. today, Monday, January 23, 2017, as a 21 year old Wilmington man was operating a 2013 Dodge Avenger and was traveling in a northbound direction on DE Rt. 141 (Powder Mill Road) just south of Alapocas Drive. The Avenger struck a large pool of water that had formed on the roadway due to the heavy rains, causing the operator to lose control of the car. The vehicle then crossed the centerline of the roadway and entered into the southbound lanes, facing in a westerly direction. The Dodge was then struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, which was traveling on southbound Powder Mill Road, and which was being operated by Martin H. Knowles, IV, also of Wilmington. Both vehicles traveled in a southerly direction until they came to rest in the southbound lanes.
The operator of the Dodge Avenger, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was trapped in his vehicle and was declared dead at the scene. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of his next of kin. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drug use on the part of the victim was a factor in this crash.
Martin Knowles, who was also properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released. Alcohol and drug use on the part of Knowles is not being considered as a factor in the crash.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Powder Mill Road between Alapocas Drive and Barley Mill Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
Released: 012317 2010
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**Original Release**
Wilmington (19803)- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash which occurred this afternoon just north of Wilmington.
The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 2:07 p.m. on DE Rt. 141 (Powder Mill Road) in between Barley Mill Road and Alapocas Drive and involves two vehicles. As a result of the crash two subjects have been injured with one suffering very serious injuries.
Powder Mill Road is currently closed in both directions and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel around the crash scene.
The Delaware State Police Collision reconstruction Unit is currently enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Released: 012317 1448
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