Ellendale – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash that occurred on Beach Highway, early Friday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:02 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2018 as a 21-year-old male was operating a 2002 Nissan Altima eastbound on Beach Highway (SR16).  The operator was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed as he approached a moderate curve in the roadway.  The operator failed to maintain the curve causing the vehicle to exit the edge of the roadway and strike a utility pole.  After striking the pole, the vehicle began to flip several times, causing the unrestrained operator to be ejected.  The vehicle came to a rest on its wheels in an open farm field.

The operator was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Medical Center before being transferred to the Christiana Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol and a high rate of speed is considered to be a factor on behalf of the operator.

SR 16 approximately .58 miles west of Reynolds Pond Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 011318 1000

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