1 dead, several injured after U-Haul crashes into pedestrians in Newark

NEWARK — A high-speed crash involving a stolen U-Haul truck left one person dead and several others injured Monday evening in downtown Newark.

The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when Newark Police located a U-Haul vehicle reported as unauthorized after it was not returned on its scheduled due date of March 18.

The truck, occupied by two individuals, was found in a parking lot in the 200 block of East Main Street.

As officers moved in to arrest the suspects, the vehicle sped off, striking a marked police car in the process.

Police say they did not pursue the vehicle, which exited the lot at a high speed.

Just minutes later, around 4:35 p.m., the truck was traveling westbound on East Main Street when it struck two pedestrians standing beside a parked car.

The vehicle continued on, hitting multiple parked cars before becoming disabled farther down the road.

First responders arrived quickly to render aid. One pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

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A second victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the U-Haul also sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. Both the driver and passenger were detained by police at the scene.

According to Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, three additional people were transported to a nearby emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries, while three others were treated on site and declined further medical care.

The Newark Police Department‘s Traffic Unit is investigating the crash.

East Main Street remains closed near South Chapel Street, and authorities expect the closure to continue for several hours.

Police emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Further details will be released as the investigation continues.

“Just before 5 p.m. today, University leadership was made aware of a serious incident on Main Street, east of Academy Street,” University of Delaware stated in social media posts. “There is no ongoing danger to the campus community, though East Main Street is closed starting at South Chapel Street. More information will be shared if and when it is appropriate to do so. Please avoid the area and follow all instructions from the police.”

At 10:07 p.m. Tuesday night, Newark Police notified the public that road closures were lifted.