Dewey Beach- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently assisting the Dewey Beach Police Department with the investigation of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Coastal Highway in the area of Saulsbury St.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 on Coastal Highway (SR 1) approximately 100′ south of Saulsbury St.

The investigation indicates that a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban operated by a 61 year old New York man was traveling Coastal Hwy., northbound south of Saulsbury St. when he suffered an acute medical event causing him to black out. At this time the Chevrolet crossed into the Coastal Hwy. southbound lanes and rapidly accelerated in a northerly direction towards the Starboard Bar & Restaurant, where two Washington D.C. men, ages 53 and 58 were standing while straddling their bicycles.

One man was on the Coastal Hwy. southbound shoulder, the other on the sidewalk. Both victims attempted to move out of the path of the Chevrolet but were unable to do so and were struck by the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle simultaneously struck a DP&L utility pole, severing it at ground level. After striking the two victims and the utility pole the Chevrolet continued into the Starboard parking lot where it struck an unoccupied 2015 Jeep Wrangler, before coming to rest.

Both Washington D.C. men were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Chevrolet operator who was properly restrained, was transported to Beebe Hospital for treatment. Neither impairment nor distraction is believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  No charges have been filed at this time.

Coastal Highway was closed for approximately five hours during the investigation. Currently both northbound lanes and one southbound lane are open.

Please follow the Real Time Travel Advisories through DelDOT to get updates on the road opening by clicking: http://deldot.gov/information/travel_advisory/#trafficBox1

If anyone has information regarding this incident please contact Cpl. N. DeMalto of the Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3267

Further details will be released as they become available.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 102217 0005

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