Newark, DE (December 1, 2025) – A four-car crash on Saturday claimed the life of a Middletown man and injured another driver on Salem Church Road near the Interstate 95 overpass.
Around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, a Honda Civic headed north on Salem Church Road with three other northbound cars behind it. At the same time, a Chevrolet Malibu traveled south but entered the northbound lane as it approached the line of cars. Investigators said an unknown vehicle tried to pass the Civic by entering the southbound lane. As that vehicle moved forward, it met the Malibu head-on.
The Malibu swerved back into the correct lane but then overcorrected and returned to the northbound lane. It struck the Civic in a head-on crash. After the first impact, the Malibu continued south and hit the Subaru Impreza and then the Hyundai Elantra.
The Civic’s driver, 60-year-old Roy Childress of Middletown, died at the scene. Troopers notified his family before releasing his name. The Impreza’s driver, a 36-year-old Newark man, and the Elantra’s driver, a 32-year-old Wilmington man, did not report injuries. The Malibu’s driver, a 21-year-old Dover man, went to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The vehicle that caused the initial maneuver kept driving and did not crash.
Troopers closed the road for about four hours while they investigated. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to review the cause of the deadly crash. Anyone with information or video is urged to contact investigators.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
Car Accidents in Newark
Fatal and serious car crashes remain a significant problem in Delaware, especially in active corridors like Newark and Wilmington. Heavy commuter traffic, tight interchanges, and higher speeds contribute to the number of collisions each year. When a crash involves several
vehicles, the risk of serious harm increases because each impact adds force and confusion to the scene. Investigators often need time to sort out responsibility, as multi-car accidents can involve chain reactions or unsafe passing attempts, as seen in this tragic Newark crash.
Many fatal crashes in Delaware result from driver inattention, speeding, improper lane changes, or risky passing. When a driver moves into an oncoming lane to pass, even a brief misjudgment can cause severe harm because oncoming vehicles have little time to react.
Multi-vehicle crashes often produce a mix of injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, internal trauma, or long-term pain. Even people who feel unhurt at first may later develop symptoms because adrenaline can hide injuries in the first hours after a crash.
Victims and families often feel overwhelmed after a serious accident. Medical bills arrive quickly, and insurance companies may pressure victims to settle before the full extent of their injuries is known. Consulting our Newark wrongful death lawyer early can help protect the victim’s rights.
At Murphy & Landon, our attorneys can gather evidence, review crash reports, speak with witnesses, and ensure that all losses are documented. Compensation may be available for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and funeral costs in cases involving wrongful death.
Legal support can also help families understand their options if a driver fled the scene or if multiple vehicles were involved. Multi-car crashes often raise complex questions about fault, and our skilled personal injury attorney can help victims navigate these issues.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a crash in Newark or anywhere in Delaware, don’t wait to get help. Call Murphy & Landon at 302-472-8100 today for a free consultation.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Please contact Murphy & Landon if you find any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
