Magnolia man dies, child seriously injured in crash

MILFORD — A 28-year-old Magnolia man died in a motor vehicle collision Friday morning.

Delaware State Police spokesman Senior Cpl. Leonard DeMalto said that at approximately 5:31 a.m., a blue 2020 Mazda 6 was traveling westbound on Wilkins Road, east of Elks Lodge Road. For unknown reasons, police said, the Mazda failed to maintain travel in its lane and exited the south edge of the road.

The Mazda continued proceeding in a southwestern direction and struck a traffic signpost. The vehicle continued past the signpost until its front center struck a large tree off the roadway. The Mazda then spun in a clockwise manner and came to rest at this location.

The vehicle’s driver was not wearing a seat belt, police said. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification of the next of kin.

The passenger of the Mazda, a 12-year-old female from Magnolia, was unrestrained. She was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for serious injuries.

No other injuries were reported. The road was closed for approximately three hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.