Delaware State Police are working to determine what caused a deadly head-on collision that claimed the life of a Newark teenager Friday evening on Interstate 95 in Wilmington.
The fatal accident happened around 8:55 p.m. on February 20, 2026, when a Chrysler 200 heading north on I-95 near Harvey Road suddenly veered across the grassy median strip. The vehicle slammed into an oncoming Volvo tractor-trailer that was hauling three vehicles on a car carrier trailer in the southbound lanes.
A 19-year-old woman from Newark who was driving the Chrysler was thrown from the vehicle because she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, according to police. Emergency responders rushed her to a local hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities are holding off on releasing her identity while they notify family members.
The 34-year-old truck driver from New York also required hospital treatment but is expected to recover from his injuries, which police described as not life-threatening.
The major highway remained shut down for about six hours as investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Detectives with the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are still piecing together what led to the tragic crash. Anyone who saw what happened or has information about the incident should reach out to Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Tips can also be submitted through the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Families affected by sudden deaths or traumatic incidents can access support services around the clock through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center by calling 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or emailing [email protected].
