MILLTOWN, DELAWARE (7/6/2015) A 38-year-old man was killed in a fiery single-vehicle accident on McKennans Church Road early Sunday, New Castle County police said today.
The victim was identified as Christopher Barton of Wilmington.
The accident happened just after 2 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block, and while initial reports indicated a three-vehicle crash, police soon determined it was one vehicle that had split into several pieces, Officer First Class Tom Jackson said.
Barton, who was ejected, was pronounced dead at the scene by New Castle County paramedics.
Jackson said Barton’s vehicle was northbound at high speed when he lost control on a slight curve, sliding across the southbound lane and striking a curb.
It went up onto the grass and struck a large tree, uprooting it, with the vehicle flipping over and breaking into three pieces.
The engine compartment burst into flames and was later extinguished by firefighters, Jackson said.
He said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call police at 302- 573-2800.
Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.