NEWARK, DE — A Friday evening traffic backup on Pulaski Highway turned deadly when a chain-reaction collision involving three vehicles claimed the life of an 85-year-old New Castle man, according to the Delaware State Police.
Troopers said the crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on January 16, 2026, along eastbound Pulaski Highway, west of David Place. A Kia Sportage was stopped behind a Subaru Outback in the left lane when a Hyundai Kona traveling eastbound approached the line of traffic.
For reasons still under investigation, police said the Hyundai failed to stop and struck the rear of the Kia. The impact pushed the Kia forward into the back of the Subaru, creating a three-vehicle collision that unfolded within seconds.
The driver of the Hyundai, identified as Melvin Pitt, 85, of New Castle, Delaware, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Police said Pitt died the following day, January 17, as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
An 83-year-old female passenger in the Hyundai, a Newark resident, was also taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries that police described as non-life-threatening. The occupants of both the Kia and the Subaru reported no injuries at the scene.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including roadway conditions, traffic flow, and vehicle dynamics leading up to the collision.
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage to contact Sgt. J. Jefferson at 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the factors that led to the fatal collision.
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