The University of Delaware is mourning the loss of a student who tragically died in a vehicular accident involving a U-Haul van near the campus. The incident, which also resulted in injuries to several other students, occurred as the van’s driver attempted to elude law enforcement.
The university’s president has described the incident as a profound tragedy that has deeply affected the entire campus community. The identity of the deceased student has not been released, but the president has called on the university community to come together in this time of sorrow. A banner has been erected at the crash site, calling on university officials to improve safety measures along the busy Main Street corridor.
This unfortunate incident is not the first of its kind in the area. Newark police have reported similar tragedies in the past. The chain of events began when officers noticed a U-Haul van, overdue for return by six weeks, parked on East Main Street. As they approached to confront the occupants, the van sped off, hitting a police car in the process.
Rather than initiating a high-speed chase, officers observed as the van sped down East Main Street. It hit two pedestrians near a vehicle before colliding with several parked cars. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with the van speeding down the street just a short distance from the campus.
Students have reacted with a combination of fear and anger. One student shared their terrifying experience, noting the realization of how close they were to the danger. Another expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Main Street’s bustling nature, a common route for students, highlights the urgency of addressing safety concerns. The identities of the seven injured individuals are still 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 deal with the aftermath of this devastating event, seeking comfort and resolution in its wake.