Laurel Man Critically Injured In Afternoon Crash

Laurel – The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash that has left a 19 year old Laurel man critically injured at Christiana Hospital. Troopers responded to the two vehicle crash today at 4:42 pm on US 13 northbound in the area of Mt. Zion Road.

Troopers determined a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Steven Layton, 19 of Laurel was eastbound on Mt. Zion Rd approaching US 13. A 2009 Chevy Suburban, operated by Margaret Hertrich, 50 of Seaford was northbound on US 13. The Jeep Cherokee failed to stop at a stop sign on Mt. Zion Rd and crossed the southbound lane of US 13, the center median strip and entered the northbound lane.

The Suburban struck the Cherokee on the passenger side resulting gin the crash. Matthew Palmer, 19 of Laurel was seated in the front passenger seat of the Cherokee and was critically injured. He was flown by DSP helicopter to Christiana Hospital.

Mr. Layton was injured and taken by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Ms. Hertrich was taken by ambulance to Nanticoke Hospital. Both sustained non-life threatening injuries. All parties were wearing seatbelts and alcohol use is not a factor on Ms. Hertrich. It is currently unknown on Mr. Layton.

The roadway was closed for approximately 1 hour and has been reopened. The crash remains under investigation.