On a Tuesday afternoon near the University of Delaware, a tragic vehicle crash unfolded involving an unreturned U-Haul rental van. This incident resulted in the death of one pedestrian and left several others injured. According to the Newark Police Department, officers spotted the parked U-Haul van around 4:30 p.m., which had been reported as “unauthorized” the previous day. The truck was due to be returned on March 18 but remained unreturned, prompting police intervention.
As officers attempted to apprehend the two suspects inside the van, they fled the scene, driving at high speed. In the process, they struck a marked police vehicle. The police did not pursue the van but chose to remain in the shopping center parking lot. The situation escalated as the suspects disregarded commands from the officers, leading to chaotic scenes on the busy street.
While fleeing, the U-Haul hit two pedestrians who were standing near a parked car. Following this collision, the van also caused damage to multiple parked vehicles before becoming disabled. Responding officers rushed to provide first aid to the injured pedestrians, but despite their efforts, one individual was pronounced dead. Another pedestrian sustained serious injuries, while three others were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening conditions.
In addition to the pedestrians, the driver and passenger of the U-Haul were detained; the driver suffered serious injuries and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment. This unsettling incident raised concerns about public safety in the area and sparked discussions about the use of rental vehicles in criminal activities, highlighting a concerning trend that has emerged in urban settings.
Following the crash, the Newark Police Department urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes as they began an investigation. The police’s Traffic Unit was assigned to thoroughly examine the incident, which has temporarily closed the involved roads. Community members and university officials were left shaken by the event, with many worrying about the broader implications for safety on and around campus.
As investigations continue, the police are working closely with local stakeholders, including the University of Delaware, to address the aftermath of the incident. The tragic events serve as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by unauthorized vehicle use and the urgent need for improved measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
