“Catastrophic” crash on Christmas leaves one dead in Laurel

A Christmas Day crash has claimed the life of a man in Laurel.

According to Delaware State Police, around 5 p.m., a Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling northbound on Fire Tower Road at a high rate of speed coming around a moderate left curve.

The vehicle failed to maintain the curve causing the right-side tires to exit the edge of the roadway where the truck drove into the grass.

The pickup truck struck a large standing tree head-on.

Police described the impact as catastrophic as the tree penetrated completely through the engine compartment and into the 2nd-row seating area, trapping the driver.

The vehicle erupted into flames and was completely consumed by fire.
At this time, the only known vehicle information is that it is a Ford F-150, later model, extended cab, and possibly silver. The VIN # and registration are currently unknown.

The unknown operator of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.