HARTLY - A fatal hit and run crash involved a Amish horse and buggy south of Hartly on Thursday night, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m. at the intersection of Halltown Road (Del. 8) and Hartly Road (Del. 44) and involved a car and a horse and buggy, according to the Delaware State Police.

Ervin D. Miller, 55, of Hartly, was operating a horse drawn carriage westbound on Halltown Road attempting to make a left turn into Royal Farms at the intersection with Hartly Road. An unknown make and model vehicle was traveling eastbound on Halltown Road and collided with the carriage, ejecting both Mr. Miller and his 55-year-old wife into the roadway, police said.

The vehicle then continued eastbound on SR8 and possibly turned northbound on Pearsons Corner Road.

Mr. Miller was transported by EMS to Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His wife was also transported to KGH and is currently admitted in critical condition.

The fleeing vehicle was only described at a dark colored older style passenger car that may have sustained considerable damage to the front bumper, hood, and window.

The horse detached itself from the carriage and ran from the scene, later to be located back at the residence of the victims. It is unknown if it sustained any injuries.

Del. 8 eastbound and westbound was closed for 3 1/2 hours in the immediate aftermath as the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

Police asked anyone with information on the crash or the hit and run vehicle to contact Detective W. Killen at 698-8451. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.