Delaware State Police Investigating weekend Fatal Crash in Laurel

Laurel – Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred late Friday night.

On February 4, 2022, at approximately 11:14 p.m., a 2017 Nissan Sentra, operated by 72-year-old James Watson of Millsboro, DE was traveling eastbound on Laurel Road, just west of Hitch Pond Road. At this time, a 2019 Kenworth tractor trailer, operated by a 60-year-old man of Bridgeville, DE was traveling westbound on Laurel Road, in the same area. For unknown reasons, the tractor trailer entered the eastbound lane of travel and the front of the Kenworth struck the front of the Nissan. After impact, the Nissan rotated approximately 180 degrees as it was pushed in a westerly direction before coming to rest on the eastbound shoulder of Laurel Road. The tractor trailer continued westbound before coming to rest in the eastbound lane of Laurel Road.

James Watson was not restrained and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The operator of the Kenworth tractor trailer was properly restrained and was uninjured in the collision.

Laurel Road was closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway cleared.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J.J. Smith at 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com.

Source: DE State Police Newsroom