The University of Delaware community is grappling with the tragic death of a student following a vehicular accident involving a U-Haul van near the campus. The incident, which also resulted in injuries to several other students, transpired as the driver of the van attempted to evade law enforcement.
The university’s president has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a profound tragedy that has significantly impacted the entire campus community. While the identity of the deceased student remains undisclosed, the president has urged the university community to unite in this time of grief. A banner has been placed at the crash site, appealing to university officials to enhance safety measures along the bustling Main Street corridor.
This incident is not an isolated one, with Newark police reporting similar tragedies in the past. The sequence of events unfolded when officers noticed a U-Haul van, overdue for return by six weeks, parked on East Main Street. As they moved to engage the occupants, the van abruptly sped off, colliding with a police car in the process.
Rather than initiating a high-speed pursuit, officers watched as the van sped down East Main Street. It struck two pedestrians near a vehicle before crashing into several parked cars. Eyewitnesses painted a chilling picture of the scene, with the van speeding down the street just a short distance from the campus.
The incident has sparked a mix of fear and anger among students. One student recounted their terrifying experience, expressing the chilling realization of their proximity to the danger. Another voiced frustration, underscoring the need for changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
The busy nature of Main Street, a common route for students, underscores the urgency of addressing safety concerns. The identities of the seven injured individuals remain unknown. However, it has been confirmed that the U-Haul driver is among those seriously injured. Both the driver and the passenger of the van have been detained, although their identities remain undisclosed.
As the investigation continues, the university and the local community are left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, seeking solace and resolution in its wake.