Watch CBS News

Salesianum High School Senior Dies In Car Accident; Several Other Classmates Injured

 DELAWARE (CBS) -- The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal car accident that killed a Salesianum High School senior and injured several others. Police say the accident happened late Friday night around 11:30 p.m. on US Route 301 Middletown Warwick Road at Strawberry Lane.

Police believe a 2006 Kenworth Tractor Trailer was traveling northbound on US 301 approaching the intersection of Strawberry Lane. At that time a 2005 Dodge Dakota operated by 18-year-old, John Kirsch of Middletown was traveling eastbound on Strawberry Lane. The Dodge Dakota proceeded from the stop sign on the west side of US 301 and attempted to cross lanes.

According to police the Dodge Dakota pulled directly in the path of the tractor trailer. The front of the tractor trailer struck the right passenger side of the Dakota. The Tractor Trailer fell over onto its left side before coming to a stop. The Dodge Dakota spun in a clockwise direction and came to a stop facing in a southwesterly direction east of US 301.

Julio Gallegos and his passenger Carolina Garcia, 30 of Middletown, were wearing seat belts and suffered serious injuries. Both were transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center. The driver of the Dodge Dakota, John W. Kirsch was treated on scene by the New Castle County Paramedics for a chest injury, and possible head injury and upper extremity injury.

A 17-year-old female, rear seat passenger of the Dodge Dakota, was treated on scene by the paramedics for head and facial injuries.  She was flown, with the paramedics from the Delaware State Police and New Castle County.

Salesianum senior Tyler Brown was also in the car with Kirsch and died after being transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center.

Principle Chris Beretta sent a message to students and faculty notifying them of the accident.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.