A late-night collision on a busy Newark roadway has turned fatal days after the initial crash, leaving one man dead and state police searching for answers about what led to the impact.
NEWARK, DE – Delaware State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday night on Summit Bridge Road, where a rear-end collision left a 61-year-old Bear man with critical injuries that later proved fatal. The crash happened April 11 at approximately 11:00 p.m. in the northbound lanes south of Sunderland Boulevard.
According to investigators, a Ford Fiesta was traveling in the right lane when it was struck from behind by a Dodge Dakota approaching from the same direction. The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.
Victim dies days after crash
Nicholas Petrucci, 61, of Bear, was transported to a local hospital following the crash with serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that Petrucci died Thursday, April 16, as a result of those injuries.
The driver of the Dodge, identified as a 23-year-old man from Middletown, and a passenger in that vehicle were not injured in the incident.
Road closure and ongoing investigation
The crash led to an extended closure of Summit Bridge Road as crews worked to investigate and clear the scene. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to examine the factors that contributed to the crash.
Officials are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or may have video footage to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information can also be submitted through a private message to Delaware State Police on Facebook or through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Support services are available for those affected by the crash. The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and the Delaware Victim Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or by email at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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