Troopers Investigating a Fatal Crash North of Milton

Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) southbound at Clifton Road, Milton, DE

Date of Occurrence: Tuesday March 25, 2014 at approximately 1:50 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Joseph D. Waples, 49, Ellendale, DE
Vehicle #1: 2007 Freightliner Bobtail (no trailer attached)

Operator #2: Margaret M. Clift, 72, Lewes, DE
Vehicle #2: 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
Passenger: James C. Clift, 73, Lewes, DE

Resume:
Milton, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Route 1 north of Milton.

The incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. this afternoon as Joseph D. Waples was operating a 2007 Freightliner Bobtail truck tractor westbound from Truitt Road crossing over Coastal Highway (SR1) and continuing westbound on Clifton Road. The truck tractor crossed the northbound lanes of SR1 and entered the center cross-over where it came to a stop at the stop sign. The truck then continued into the southbound lanes of Rt 1 and into the path of a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country being operated by Margaret M. Clift. The Chrysler, which was traveling southbound in the right lane, then struck the right rear tandem tires of the truck causing it to rotate clockwise and come to a stop in the intersection. The truck continued westbound and rotated approximately 180 degrees before coming to a stop in the eastbound lanes of Clifton Road.

Margaret M. Clift, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene and transported to Milford Memorial Hospital by EMS were she was later pronounced dead. Her husband, James C. Clift who was also properly restrained was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Beebe Medical Center where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Joseph Waples was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and no charges have been filed at this time. SR1 southbound at Clifton Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Investigators are requesting that any witnesses to this crash contact Corporal J. Wheatley at 302-644-5020 ext. 118 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."