WILMINGTON, DE – As a result of a crash caused by an ‘impaired’ 19-year-old driver, a pregnant woman was forced to deliver her baby and was critically injured. During the accident, the mother’s six-year-old daughter died, while her newborn baby and four-year-old son were also critically ill.
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Wilmington area on Friday night.
According to police, a 2016 silver Toyota Corolla approached Gregg Avenue as it was traveling eastbound in the left lane of West Newport Pike at approximately 8:54 p.m.
At that time, a white 2006 Buick Rendezvous was traveling westbound on Route 4, when it crossed over into oncoming traffic.
As a result of the head-on collision, the Toyota rotated in a clockwise direction after impact, eventually coming to rest on the left-hand side of Route 4 westbound. Upon reaching the eastbound side of Route 4, the Buick finally came to rest in the left lane.
A 29-year-old female operator of the Toyota from Wilmington who was eight months pregnant, was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Two other passengers in the vehicle, a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, were transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The baby was delivered while at the hospital, but is also listed in critical condition.
Unfortunately, the 6-year-old girl later died at the hospital due to her injuries.
Police said all occupants of the Toyota were properly restrained. The 4-year-old was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the collision, a 19-year-old female driver of the Buick from Wilmington, Delaware, who was properly restrained, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Impairment appeared to be a factor in the collision, and charges will be pursued.
Route 4 was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours.
No charges have been filed at this time, but the DSP said multiple charges will soon be filed against the driver.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited for accuracy and republished to change DWI to “impaired” as reported by the Delaware State Police.