Pike Creek – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a 74-year-old Wilmington woman.

The investigation thus far has determined that the crash occurred this morning, Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at approximately 3:22 a.m., as a 74-year-old Wilmington woman was operating a 2002 Toyota Corolla and was traveling in an eastbound direction on New Linden Hill Road, entering the intersection with DE Rt. 7 (Limestone Road). As the Corolla entered into the southbound lanes of Rt. 7, its left side was struck by the right front of a 1995 Freightliner tractor-trailer which was being operated by a 58-year-old Pennsylvania man, and which was traveling in the right hand lane of southbound DE Rt. 7. After the impact, both vehicles traveled in a southerly direction with the Toyota coming to rest on the southbound shoulder and right hand lane, just south of the intersection. The tractor-trailer traveled for a short distance over a concrete median before returning to the southbound lanes where it then overturned, spilling its load of chicken feed.

The 74-year-old operator of the Toyota, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was declared dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin. It is unknown if impairment on the part of the victim was a factor in the crash.

The male operator of the tractor-trailer, who was also properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. He was then transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries. Impairment on the part of the tractor-trailer driver is not being considered as a factor in the crash.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. It is not known at this time which vehicle had the right of way at the intersection, and investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Master Corporal Joseph Aube at 302-365-8483. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline 1-800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov .

The southbound lanes of DE Rt. 7 were closed for approximately 6 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Click on link to view original traffic advisory.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Released: 092617 0955

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