The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred yesterday afternoon in Magnolia that left one man dead.
On September 9, 2023, at approximately 5:19 p.m., a white 2017 Ford Escort was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Clapham Road, north of Sophers Row in Magnolia. At the same time, a black 2023 Mazda CX-30 was traveling northbound on Clapham Road, north of Sophers Row. For unknown reasons, the Ford failed to maintain its lane and crossed the centerline of Clapham Road. The Mazda swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid the Ford, but was struck on its left side. The Ford continued in a southeasterly direction and exited the roadway into a wooded area. The Ford came to a stop after it rolled onto its right side and violently impacted with a cluster of large trees. The Mazda spun in the roadway and came to a stop facing east in the southbound lane.
The driver of the Ford, a 63-year-old man from Magnolia, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
The driver of the Mazda, a 16-year-old girl from Milford, Delaware, was not injured. An 11-year-old passenger in the Mazda was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.