Troopers investigate construction area crash

Troopers in Delaware are investigating a serious crash that sent two people to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, an 86-year-old man was driving southbound on New Burton Road, approaching an active construction zone. Police say for unknown reasons, the man drove past the flagman and onto the grassy shoulder disregarding the stop sign he was holding up.

Police say the man pulled back into the southbound lane and then crossed into the northbound lane where he accelerated and struck another vehicle traveling northbound head on.

Troopers say the southbound and northbound lanes were divided by large orange barrels and only one lane was in use due to the on-going West Dover Connector Project.

The 86-year-old man was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

The other driver, who was reportedly properly restrained, was removed by EMS to Kent General Hospital where he is reportedly being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the police report, the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation. 

New Burton Road was closed between Webbs Lane and Front Street for approximately two and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.