Newark, DE – A Friday evening crash on Pulaski Highway in Newark has turned fatal, prompting an ongoing investigation by Delaware State Police.
According to the Delaware State Police, the three-vehicle collision happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. Friday on January 16, 2026, in the left lane of eastbound Pulaski Highway, west of David Place. Investigators say a Kia Sportage was stopped behind a Subaru Outback when a Hyundai Kona traveling eastbound failed to stop and struck the rear of the Kia.
Police said the impact pushed the Kia forward, causing it to crash into the rear of the Subaru. All three vehicles sustained damage as a result of the chain-reaction collision.
The driver of the Hyundai, 85-year-old Melvin Pitt of New Castle, Delaware, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Pitt died 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 local hospital. Police said her injuries were non-life-threatening. The occupants of both the Kia and Subaru reported no injuries at the scene.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not yet released a cause and say the investigation remains active.
Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam or surveillance video to contact Sgt. J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Tips can also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Anyone impacted by the incident or experiencing a sudden loss may contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center, available 24/7 at 1-800-842-8461.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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