Milton, DE — One Dead, Several Injured in Series of Crashes Friday Afternoon

Milton, DE — One Dead, Several Injured in Series of Crashes Friday Afternoon

A tragic and chaotic scene unfolded in the Milton, Delaware area on Friday, June 5, 2025, as three separate car accidents occurred within just one hour, leaving multiple people injured and one person dead. The incidents, which occurred along a busy corridor in Sussex County, prompted an intense emergency response from local police, fire crews, and paramedics — including one of their own who became a victim in the course of duty.

The first accident was reported just after 2:00 p.m. on Route 30, just north of Route 16, involving at least two vehicles and resulting in serious injuries to multiple occupants. As emergency responders rushed to the scene, a Sussex County Paramedic SUV, responding to that very call, was involved in a second, devastating crash at Route 16 and Mulberry Street.

Authorities confirmed that one person died in the second crash, which involved the paramedic vehicle. The circumstances of that crash are still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the emergency vehicle, with its lights and sirens activated, may have collided with another car at the intersection during its urgent response.

The third crash occurred shortly after, at the busy intersection of Route 16 and Route 1, further compounding the chaos. While this collision was described as less severe than the first two, it significantly hampered traffic and forced road closures for several hours.

Emergency personnel from multiple agencies, including Milton Fire Department, Delaware State Police, Sussex County EMS, and the Delaware Department of Transportation, responded to all three scenes. MedEvac helicopters were also dispatched to assist with patient transport in at least one of the incidents.

As news of the crashes spread, the community quickly grew concerned, especially as it was revealed that a Sussex County Paramedic had been involved in the line of duty accident. Officials have not yet released the name of the deceased out of respect for the family, pending notification.

In a brief statement, a spokesperson from Sussex County EMS said, “Today was one of the most difficult days in recent memory for our first responders. One of our own was involved in a fatal incident while doing what they do every day — responding to help others. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with all those affected.”

All three crashes remain under active investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, which is working to determine the exact causes and whether weather, speed, mechanical failure, or other contributing factors were involved. Investigators have asked anyone who witnessed any of the crashes to contact the Delaware State Police Troop 7.

Residents of the Milton area are still reeling from the impact of Friday’s events. Community leaders have called for a review of traffic patterns and increased safety measures along Route 16, a stretch known for high traffic volume and frequent accidents.

Friday’s triple tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers emergency responders face every day — and the critical importance of exercising caution and attentiveness behind the wheel. A memorial service for the deceased is expected to be announced in the coming days.