Harbeson, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred earlier this morning.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at approximately 7:52 a.m., as a 2016 Ford Transit work van, operated by a 50-year-old male of Milton, was traveling eastbound on US 9 just east of Josephs Road. At the same time, a 2015 Isuzu six-wheel box truck, operated by a 56-year-old male of Milford, was traveling westbound on US 9 in the same area approaching the work van. For unknown reasons, the Ford Transit work van crossed the center line and entered the westbound travel lane in front of the box truck. The driver of the box truck attempted to swerve his vehicle to the right to avoid the impact but was unsuccessful. As a result, the left side front of the Ford Transit van struck the left side of the Isuzu Box Truck for impact within the westbound travel lane. After the collision, the box truck continued westbound a short distance as it rotated counter-clockwise and rolled onto its right side. The box truck came to rest on its right side on the westbound shoulder of US 9. The Ford Transit Van was forced to rotate approximately 180 degrees and came to rest, upright, in the westbound travel lane, facing west.
The driver of the Ford Transit Van was transported by ambulance to the Beebe Hospital where he was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries he sustained in the collision. It is unknown at this time if his seat belt was worn at the time of the collision. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Isuzu Box Truck was properly restrained. He was transported by ambulance to the Beebe Hospital where he was treated and released for minor non-life threatening injuries.
Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors for either operator in this collision.
(U.S. 9) Lewes-Georgetown Highway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation and the cleanup efforts. The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
The Delaware State Police Reconstruction Unit is asking anyone that has information in reference to this crash or anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please contact Cpl/3 J. Burns of Troop 7, Lewes at (302)-703-3266.
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 the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz
Released:080619 1835
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