1 dead, 3 hurt in Route 1 crash

Southbound Route 1 at Northeast Front Street in Milford (Photo: Google maps)
Southbound Route 1 at Northeast Front Street in Milford (Photo: Google maps)

MILFORD, DELAWARE (4/19/2016) A 58-year-old Harrington man died this morning and three others were injured in a crash on Route 1 in Milford, the Delaware State Police said.

The accident happened about 7:15 a.m. at the Northeast Front Street intersection.

Mario E. Nelson was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla eastbound and pulled out from the stop sign into southbound  Route 1 (Milford Bypass), police said.

His car was struck on the driver’s side door by a southbound 2013 Lincoln MKZ, and both vehicles spun around. The Corolla came to a stop in the grassy median and the Lincoln came to rest facing east on the edge of Route 1.

Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nelson’s 29-year-old daughter was flown by state police helicopter to Christiana Hospital in Stanton and admitted for treatment of injuries police said were not life-threatening.

Melissa L. Mallett, 35, of Magnolia, who was driving the Lincoln, was taken by ambulance to Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital and admitted for treatment of injuries police said were not life-threatening.

Mallett’s 14-year-old son was also taken to Milford Memorial, treated and released.

State police, who are investigating the accident at the request of Milford police, said alcohol and speed do not appear to be contributing factors in the crash. Police said all involved were wearing seat belts.

Southbound Route 1 was closed at Northeast 10th Street for about four hours.