Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier
Milford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Team is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred early last night north of Milford.
The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. Wednesday May 17, 2017 as a 37-year-old male from Harrington was operating a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse southbound on Bay Road (SR1/US113) preparing to turn left onto Wayne D Avenue (entrance to Exxon gas station). A 56-year-old Hockessin man was operating a 2012 Ford Fusion northbound in the left lane of SR1 approaching Wayne D Avenue. A 44-year-old Hartly man was operating a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on SR1 in the right lane slightly behind the Ford Fusion. The Eclipse entered into the left turn lane and failed to yield to northbound traffic, first striking the left rear of the Chevrolet pickup truck. At the same time, the Ford Fusion was attempting to pass the pickup, and quickly struck the Mitsubishi Eclipse on the right side. The force of the collision caused the Eclipse to rotate in a clockwise direction while traveling in an east-northeast direction before coming to a stop. The Fusion sustained heavy front end damage and slid to a stop in the grassy ditch. The Chevrolet Silverado sustained minor damage and continued northbound before coming to a controlled stop on the shoulder.
The 37-year old male driver of the Eclipse was properly restrained and removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital (MMH) where he was admitted with undetermined injuries.
A 5-year-old passenger (operator’s son) was properly restrained in a booster style seat behind the driver. He was transported to MMH by EMS where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending notification of extended family.
The 56-year-old operator of the Ford Fusion was properly restrained and transported by EMS to MMH where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.
The 44-year-old operator of the pickup and a male passenger in the truck were uninjured.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. No charges have been filed and alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor. Bay Road northbound was closed at Thompsonville Road for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
Released: 051817 0610
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