NEWARK, DE – The University of Delaware community is grappling with the tragic loss of a student who was killed in a crash involving a U-Haul van near the campus. The incident, which also left several other students injured, occurred when the van attempted to evade police.
The university president has called the situation a profound tragedy for the entire community. While the identity of the deceased student remains undisclosed, the president has urged the campus community to unite during this difficult time. A banner has been placed at the site where the U-Haul came to rest, urging university officials to enhance safety measures along the busy Main Street corridor.
This incident is not an isolated one, as Newark police report that the area has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. The sequence of events began when officers spotted a U-Haul van, overdue for return by six weeks, in a parking lot on East Main Street. As officers approached the vehicle to apprehend the occupants, the van sped away, striking a police car.
Choosing not to engage in a high-speed pursuit, officers watched as the van continued to speed down East Main Street. It struck two pedestrians standing near a vehicle and then collided with several parked cars. Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, with the van barreling down the street within a short distance from the campus.
Student reactions have been a mix of fear and anger. One student recounted the harrowing experience, remarking on the sheer terror of the moment and the realization of how close they were to danger. Another expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for change to prevent future incidents.
The bustling nature of Main Street, a popular thoroughfare for students, underscores the urgency of addressing safety concerns. Currently, the identities of the seven injured individuals remain unknown. However, it has been confirmed that the driver of the U-Haul is among those seriously injured. Both the driver and the passenger of the van have been taken into custody, although their identities have not been disclosed.
As the investigation continues, the university and the local community are left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, seeking solace and resolution in its wake.