Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz
Bear – The Delaware State Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash involving an overturned crane that occurred this morning.
The incident occurred around 7:46 a.m. Saturday, May 06, 2017 as Francis J. Roberts, 52 of Middletown, was operating a 2005 Peterbilt Crane Truck southbound on SR 1 south of School Bell Road north of Bear. The Peterbilt Crane Truck had a tire blowout on the front left side of the vehicle which caused the truck to swerve into the center median. The crane truck then struck the center guard rail and overturned onto its left side. After striking the center median flying debris struck passing vehicles which sustained minor damage and with no injuries.
The New Castle County Paramedics and the Christiana Fire Company responded to the crash. The driver was trapped for approximately 75 minutes while troopers and multiple rescue crews worked safely to remove the driver. The driver was transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Troopers continue their investigation into this incident. SR 1 southbound in the area of the crash was closed for approximately four hours and then limited to just the right lane and shoulder south of route 273. All lanes of SR 1 northbound are currently open at this time. Motorists are advised to use caution as crews are still working in the area.
Released: 050617 1801
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**Traffic Advisory- Overturned Crane-Bear**
Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz
Bear, De.- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash involving an overturned crane.
The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:46 a.m. today, Saturday, May 6, 2017 as troopers responded to the area of SR 1 between Rt. 273 and SR 40. A tractor trailer was traveling southbound on SR 1 and for unknown reasons flipped over onto the driver’s side onto a metal guardrail and grass median. The driver is entrapped in the cab and emergency EMS is on the scene working to extract the driver. The tractor is a Peterbilt three axle truck with a crane body single unit.
Currently all northbound and southbound lanes are shutdown. Unknown injuries at this time. Motorists should use caution in the area as there will be traffic delays. Travelers are asked to safely find alternate routes of travel.
More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Released: 050617 0831
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