GEORGETOWN, DELAWARE (2/12/2015) A 19-year-old man was killed early today when his small car crashed into a utility pole and overturned west of Georgetown, state police said.
The victim was identified as Benadigto Bonilla-Berduo of Georgetown.
The crash happened about 1:10 a.m. on U.S. 9 (County Seat Highway) a mile west of Old Furnace Road, near Sussex Technical High School.
Police said Bonilla-Berduo was driving a 2002 Volkswagen GTI westbound at high speed, and on a moderate right curve he crossed the eastbound lane and went off the road.
As he tried to regain control of the car, police said, he crossed both lanes again and went off the north side of the road, where he over-corrected and the car spun around, crossing the road again.
The passenger side of the car struck a utility pole on the south side, snapping it in half and vaulting the Volkswagen into the air before it came to rest on its roof.
Bonilla-Berduo was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said alcohol and speed are considered factors in the crash and the investigation is continuing.
U.S. 9 was closed about three hours as police investigated and Delaware Electric Cooperative crews worked to repair the pole. At 8:45 a.m., the co-op reported four members in the area remained without electricity due to the crash.