Update #3- DSP News Release: Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Serious Crash Closes Route 1, Multiple Tractor Trailers Involved

Middletown- In regards to the initial Route 1 Crash…

A 2001 VW Jetta (operated by Michael Danatzko, 38, of Frederica, Delaware) was traveling Route 1 southbound, south of Route 299.

A 2000 Sterling tractor trailer (operated by Robert Mowbray, 49, of Maryland) was also southbound on Route 1.

A 2004 Sterling 3-axel flat bed truck (operated by Daniel Mullins, 40, of Wilmington) was traveling Route 1 northbound. 

For an unknown reason, the 2004 Sterling lost control and crossed over from the northbound lanes of Route 1 and into the southbound lanes where it collided with both the 2000 Sterling and the VW. 

All of the vehicles involved sustained significant damage.

Mr. Danatzko was flown from the scene to Christiana Hospital where he was last listed in critical condition.

Mr. Mowbray was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries. 

Mr. Mullins was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.

No charges have been filed and this crash remains under investigation.  The roadway was completely opened at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Update #2- DSP News Release: Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Serious Crash Closes Route 1, Multiple Tractor Trailers Involved

Middletown- There is still no updated information pertaining to this crash on Route 1.  Investigators are still hard at work.  As soon as they provide an update, a news release will be disseminated. 

Second Crash Reported- While Troopers were investigating this initial crash, a second occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m.

A 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (operated by John Scalise, 65, of Pennsylvania) was traveling Route 13 northbound in the area of Fieldsboro Road.  This area is directly adjacent to the initial crash on Route 1.  The Hyundai slowed down as the operator was looking at the Route 1 crash.   Speed estimates were between 10-20 mph in a 55 mph zone.

A 1995 Ford Windstar (operated by Timothy Collins, 45, of New Castle) approached the Hyundai from behind and rear ended same.   

Mr. Scalise was transported from the scene to Christiana Hospital for evaluation.  He was cited with Unlawfully Slowing in Traffic.

Mr. Collins was not injured.  He was cited with Inattentive Driving.

DSP News Release: Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Serious Crash Closes Route 1, Multiple Tractor Trailers Involved

Location of Incident:  Route 1 southbound, south of Route 299 in Middletown, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Resume: Troopers and emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a serious injury crash on Route 1 southbound south of Route 299. 

Preliminary reports this crash involved at least two tractor trailers and a passenger car.  Several injuries are reported, one being life threatening.  Patients have been flown from the scene to area hospitals.

Route 1 is expected to be closed in both directions for a lengthy period of time. Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes.  

An additional release will be forthcoming when details are known and confirmed.