Townsend– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred this afternoon.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2019 at approximately 3:38 p.m., when a 2013 Hino box truck was traveling southbound on USRT 13 in the right lane of two southbound lanes of travel and approaching the intersection with Pine Tree Road. A 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound on USRT 13 in the left turn lane approaching the intersection with Pine Tree Road. The traffic signal at this intersection was cycled to green for the box truck. The traffic signal for the Cherokee was flashing a red arrow, which allows for motorists to make a left turn after coming to a complete stop. The operator of the Cherokee proceeded to make the left turn directly into the path of the box truck, causing the two vehicles to collide.
The operator of the box truck a 40-year-old male from Bear, DE was properly restrained and did not sustain injuries. There were two front seat passengers in the truck. The right front passenger was properly restrained and transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The middle front seat passenger was not properly restrained and did not sustain injuries.
The operator of the Cherokee, a 70-year-old male from Hartley, DE was properly restrained. He was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
USRT 13 southbound at Pine Tree Road was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The crash continues remains under investigation by the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit.
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: 081719 2021
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