LEWES — A devastating accident on Monday evening claimed the lives of two Cape Henlopen High School students when their BMW 328 veered off the 16000 block of Gills Neck Road, igniting a fire that spread to a nearby residence. Fortunately, no occupants of the home were injured, although the incident caused extensive damage.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 11:26 p.m. as the unidentified driver and passenger were traveling eastbound on Gills Neck Road in Lewes at what appeared to be a high speed. The vehicle reportedly failed to negotiate a sharp, L-shaped turn, leading it off the roadway.
Initial investigations reveal that the car collided first with a stone pillar and then with a tree, resulting in it catching fire upon impact. The vehicle continued its trajectory, striking a metal fence before coming to a halt close enough to the residence for the fire to spread to the house itself.
Authorities confirmed that all occupants of the residence managed to safely evacuate. Tragically, both the driver and the passenger of the BMW were pronounced dead at the scene.
In response to the incident, the Cape Henlopen School District promptly began notifying parents and students via calls and emails, offering condolences and support resources. Kristen DeGregory, Principal of Cape Henlopen High School, announced that school counselors and staff would be available for students requiring additional support from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the week.
For those in immediate need of assistance, Ms. DeGregory advised reaching out to the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-969-HELP or texting 988 for support.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Sgt. A. Mitchell at 302-703-3269 or provide details anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
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