DE State Police Investigate Fatal Crash west of Harrington

Harrington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday west of Harrington.

On Monday July 26, 2021 at approximately 7:11 a.m., a 2021 Ram 2500 pickup truck, operated by a 57-year-old Lewes man, was traveling eastbound on Vernon Road (SR 14) approaching Whiteleysburg Road entering a slight right curve. A 2009 Toyota Camry being operated by 29-year-old Elias B. Diaz-Perez of Dagsboro was traveling westbound on SR 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road approaching the same curve. A 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by a 31-year-old Harrington woman, was traveling westbound on SR 14 behind the Toyota Camry. The Ram pickup truck failed to maintain its lane of travel, crossed the double yellow line and entered completely into the westbound lane in front of the Toyota Camry striking it head-on.

The impact of the collision pushed the Camry backwards (eastbound) for approximately 57 feet where the truck and the Camry came to a stop in the westbound lane. The Chevrolet Malibu attempted to avoid the crash by swerving right onto the westbound shoulder, and as the Camry is being pushed backwards, the right rear strikes the Malibu the driver’s side doors and rear fender pushing the Malibu off the north side of the roadway and into a soybean field.

Elias B. Diaz-Perez, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 57-year-old Lewes man was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where he was admitted for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 31-year-old Harrington female was properly restrained and transported to Bayhealth-Sussex Campus by ambulance where she was treated and released with minor injuries.

State Route 14 west of Whiteleysburg Road was closed for approximately five hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling 302-698-8457. 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.

Source: DE State Police Newsroom