Newark, DE – A quiet stretch of Pulaski Highway turned fatal Sunday afternoon when a Jeep veered off the roadway and struck a telephone pole, leaving one passenger dead and the driver hospitalized, according to Delaware State Police.
The single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. when a Jeep Compass was traveling eastbound near David Place. For reasons under investigation, the vehicle exited the right edge of the road and collided with a utility pole.
The impact left the SUV disabled along the shoulder. Its occupants were pulled from the vehicle moments before it caught fire, preventing further injury at the scene.
Betty Williams, 71, of Bear, was seated in the front passenger seat and was not wearing a seatbelt, police said. She was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Early Monday morning, she died from injuries sustained in the collision.
The driver, a 70-year-old man from Bear, was also taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. His current condition has not been released.
Investigation underway into fatal Newark collision
Troopers are continuing to examine the circumstances that caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
- A Jeep Compass struck a telephone pole on Pulaski Highway Sunday afternoon
- Passenger Betty Williams, 71, later died from her injuries
- The driver remains hospitalized as the investigation continues
The roadway near David Place was impacted for a period of time as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene. Fire damage to the vehicle followed the initial collision, according to officials.
State Police have not announced any charges in connection with the incident. The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information related to the case is asked to contact Delaware State Police.