DC-area students killed, injured in Delaware after being struck by wrong-way driver

SEAFORD, Del. — An investigation is underway after two University of Maryland Eastern Shore students were killed and two others injured in a crash along Sussex Highway in Seaford early Sunday morning. 

Just after 1:30 p.m., a 2016 Nissan Rogue was heading southbound on the highway in the left lane at the same time a 2005 Honda Pilot was heading northbound, also in the southbound lane of Sussex Highway. As a result, the two cars collided head-on. 

Investigators say the front seat passenger in the Rouge, a 22-year-old man from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the right rear seat passenger, an 18-year-old woman from Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, were killed. Their names are being withheld until their families are made aware of their deaths. The driver of the Rogue, a 22-year-old man from D.C., and the left rear seat passenger, an 18-year-oild woman from Bethesda, Maryland, were taken to an area hospital with critical injuries after the crash. Both underwent emergency surgery.

Police say the driver of the Pilot, a 24-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for serious injuries. Impairment is suspected to be a factor. The Pilot’s passenger, a 40-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for critical injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the crash scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this collision. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal K. Argo by calling (302) 703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.