Two people, who were killed in a fiery crash near New Castle Thursday afternoon have been identified as Olaf Horton, 64, and the passenger, Gail Horton, 64, both of Bridgeton, NJ. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation indicates the accident occurred at around 3 p.m. when a 2003 Ford Expedition, driven by a 67-year-old man, was involved in a minor crash on Christiana Road (State Route 273 at Route 1. The Expedition then traveled east on Christiana Road, approaching a 2012 Nissan Altima stopped in the left lane of Christiana Road eastbound behind a stopped 2000 Ford F-150.
The Expedition struck the rear of the Altima, pushing it into the F-150 and then into the intersection with Appleby Road. The Altima then became engulfed in flames. The Expedition continued through the intersection and came to rest on the south side of Christiana Road.
The two occupants of the Altima were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Expedition was flown to Christiana Hospital by State Police j helicopter and admitted in serious condition. The male driver, 19, of the Ford F-150 and its two occupants were not injured.
No charges have been filed in this incident, and the Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into this crash. Christiana Road between Route 1 and Airport Road was closed for approximately five hours as troopers investigated and cleared the crash.