Middletown – The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the intersection of U.S. Rt. 13 (DuPont Pkwy.) and Port Penn Rd., Middletown.

The investigation has determined that a 2007 Toyota Corolla, operated by a 56 year old New Castle woman, was stopped at a red light on westbound Port Penn Rd., intending to turn left onto southbound Rt. 13. A 2004 Jeep Cherokee, driven by a 79 year old New Castle man, was traveling Rt. 13 northbound approaching the intersection with Port Penn Rd. The traffic signal turned green for Port Penn Rd. traffic and the Toyota proceeded through the intersection. The traffic signal for Rt. 13 had changed to red, however the driver of the Jeep failed to stop and proceeded through the intersection, with the front of his vehicle striking the driver’s side of the Toyota. After the initial impact the Jeep then struck a 2017 Chevy Cruz, operated by a 22 year old Port Penn woman, which was stopped in the Rt. 13 southbound left turn lane for Port Penn Rd. All vehicles came to rest in the intersection.

The driver of the Toyota, who was not properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Jeep, who was properly restrained, was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Chevy, who was properly restrained was not injured as a result of the crash.

Impairment is not deemed as a contributing factor on behalf of any of the drivers.

The intersection of Rt. 13 and Port Penn Rd. was closed for approximately 1 hour while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.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, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012620 1032

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