Bear– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of a mother and son from Newark last night.
The collision occurred on February 17, 2022, at approximately 8:27 p.m., when a 2016 Kia Sorento was traveling southbound on Holly Avenue approaching Pulaski Hwy (Route 40). The Kia proceeded across the westbound lanes of Route 40 and entered into the crossover located immediately to the west of Holly Avenue. The Kia then began traveling across the eastbound lanes of Route 40. At the same time, a 2021 Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound on Route 40 in the right lane of travel.
The Kia entered into the path of the Dodge resulting in the Dodges’ front striking the passenger side of the Kia in right lane of eastbound Route 40. As a result, the Kia split completely in half, with the rear portion traveling off the south edge of the roadway and into the grassy area just east of Shorewinds Road. Seated in the left rear seat was a 7-year-old boy that was ejected from the car. Unfortunately the child sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His 9-year-old sister was seated in the right rear seat and was also ejected. The 9-year-old was transported to Christiana Hospital in critical condition. The front section of the Kia was thrown into the right shoulder east of Shorewinds Road. The 31-year-old female was the driver of the Kia and mother of the children. She was properly restrained, transported by ambulance to Christiana Hospital and sadly died from her injuries. The family resides in Newark, DE. Identification of both victims are pending notification to the next of kin.
The Dodge continued in a southeasterly direction, eventually coming to rest on the south edge of the roadway of eastbound Route 40. Prior to the collision occurring, it was observed that the Dodge had been traveling at an apparent high rate of speed.
The 18-year-old operator of the Dodge from Landsdowne, PA, was transported to Christiana Hospital and is in stable condition. Speed appears to be a factor in the collision, impairment on his part is not suspected at this time.
Route 40 in both directions between Fir Avenue and Buckley Boulevard was closed for approximately 3 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.
This crash remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Breen of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by messaging the Delaware State Police on Facebook messenger or calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell
Released: 021822 0912
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